Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, serves as Sicily’s busiest hub, handling over 12 million passengers annually with a modern two-terminal setup. Located 4.3 kilometres southwest of Catania’s city centre, it connects travellers to over 100 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, and Wizz Air operating regularly. Its compact design ensures a manageable experience for those visiting Catania, Taormina, or Mount Etna.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options linking to Catania. The AMT Alibus runs every 20 minutes from 5:00 am to midnight, reaching the city centre and Central Train Station in about 20 minutes for €4. Local bus line 457 operates every 20 to 30 minutes, costing €1, while intercity buses connect to towns like Syracuse and Taormina.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside Terminal A, cost €25 to €40 for a 15-minute ride to the city, with pre-booked options like Welcome Pickups offering fixed fares. The Catania–Aeroporto Fontanarossa railway station, a short walk from the terminal, provides trains to the city in under 10 minutes for €1. Drivers can use the P4 long-term car park, 200 metres from the terminals, with rates at €4 per day after an initial €17 for 48 hours. Car rental agencies, including Hertz and Sixt, are located in arrivals. Passengers should arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones to account for check-in and security.
The airport’s layout includes two terminals: Terminal A, the main hub for domestic and non-Schengen flights with 22 gates, and Terminal C, used exclusively by easyJet for Schengen departures. Both are within a five-minute walk of each other, connected by a covered pathway. Arrivals and baggage claim are in Terminal A, while departures are split across both, with check-in on the upper level of Terminal A. Clear signage aids navigation, but peak summer months can lead to overcrowding at security and passport control, with waits up to 40 minutes due to high tourist traffic. Baggage claim delays, sometimes caused by limited carousels, are another concern, so passengers should monitor updates via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Recent social media posts note occasional understaffing at passport control, particularly for non-Schengen flights.
Dining and retail options are adequate, with most located in Terminal A’s departures area. Sicilia’s wine bar, I dolci di Nonna Vincenza for pastries, and Sfizio for Sicilian cuisine are available in arrivals and boarding areas, with a meal costing around €5 to €10. Duty-free shops by Heinemann and smaller outlets offer souvenirs, jewellery, and clothing, though selection is limited in Terminal C. The Prima Vista Lounge in Terminal A provides Wi-Fi, snacks, and seating for €28, accessible via Priority Pass, but reviews describe it as small and basic. Crowded dining areas during peak times suggest eating before security.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, though connections may slow during busy periods. ATMs, currency exchange, and luggage wrapping are available in Terminal A, but no luggage storage is offered. Accessibility is well-supported, with over 80 wheelchairs, ramps, lifts, and two dedicated waiting rooms for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance. The “Autism, Traveling through the Airport” program assists autistic passengers. Other amenities include baby-changing facilities, a pharmacy, and a lost property office open from 8:00 am to midnight. Nearby hotels, like Catania International Airport Hotel, 120 metres away, offer convenient stays. Smoking areas are outside the terminals.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport handling 10.1 million passengers in 2022. Delays are often due to airline-specific issues, such as equipment problems, or weather conditions like strong winds. Recent social media posts mention delays from immigration system failures or runway obstructions, causing waits of up to two hours. Passengers can check updates via in-terminal displays. As a regional hub, Catania offers limited connections, with minimum transfer times of 25 minutes for domestic-to-domestic, 30 minutes for domestic-to-international, and 35 minutes for international-to-international flights. The close proximity of terminals simplifies transfers, but non-Schengen passengers may face delays at passport control. Those on separate tickets should verify luggage policies.
Catania Airport’s compact design, accessible transport, and essential amenities make it a practical choice for travellers. Ongoing expansions, including a planned Terminal B, aim to accommodate growing passenger numbers. While summer congestion and limited facilities pose challenges, the airport’s services ensure a smooth journey to Sicily’s east coast.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates seasonal flights to Dublin from Terminal A at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Area A (desks 1–20 range), but assignments vary due to the airport’s moderate size. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 30 hours to 4.5 hours prior.
Flights typically depart from Gates 1–15 in Terminal A (Schengen area). Specific gates are assigned close to departure and displayed on airport screens or via the Aer Lingus app. Catania is a seasonal route (summer months), so confirm flight schedules and arrive 90 minutes before departure to clear security.
