Comiso Vincenzo Magliocco Airport, also known as Pio La Torre, offers a compact and traveller-friendly experience in the heart of Sicily’s Ragusa province.
The passenger experience at Comiso, or CIY, is defined by its small, modern terminal, serving around 370,000 passengers annually to nine destinations across Italy and Europe. Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air Malta, Neos, and AeroItalia operate seasonal and year-round flights to cities such as Milan, Rome, Barcelona, and Tirana. The single terminal, renovated in 2008, features clear signage and a welcoming atmosphere, with local touches like Sicilian art adding character. Its modest size ensures quick navigation, though peak summer periods can feel busy due to the airport’s focus on seasonal tourism.
Accessing the airport from Comiso’s city centre, just 5 kilometres away, is straightforward. Local buses, including Sicily Shuttle and AST, connect to Comiso, Vittoria, Ragusa, and other nearby towns, with fares starting at £2.50 for a 15-minute ride to Comiso. Buses depart from across the terminal, with schedules limited on holidays, so checking timetables is wise.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside arrivals, cost around £12 to Comiso and £16 to Vittoria, while private transfers to destinations like Modica or Pozzallo can be pre-booked for convenience. Car rental agencies, including Sicily by Car and Avis, are located in the arrivals hall, and a nearby car park offers 300 spaces at £4 per day, bookable online for ease.
The airport’s layout is simple, with a single terminal split into ground-floor arrivals and check-in areas and an upper level for departures and gates. Ten check-in desks and five gates, some requiring bus transfers to aircraft, keep operations efficient, though the compact setup can lead to crowding during peak hours. The terminal’s design, with a central security checkpoint and adjacent duty-free shops, ensures short walking distances, making it ideal for quick turnarounds. Ongoing runway maintenance may occasionally affect operations, so travellers should stay updated via airline apps.
Delays are rare but can stem from seasonal congestion or weather, particularly summer storms affecting Sicily’s Mediterranean climate. Limited gate availability and occasional slow baggage handling, especially for international flights, may cause minor hold-ups. Arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three for international ones helps navigate potential queues at check-in or security, which has only one lane.
Dining options are modest but satisfying, with Brava Cafe and Express Airport Restaurant offering Sicilian dishes, sandwiches, and coffee, though no outlets operate 24 hours. Vending machines provide snacks for late-night travellers, and prices align with local norms, keeping meals affordable. Retail includes a Heinemann Duty Free shop for perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco, open from 3:30am to 9:00pm, alongside a small gift shop selling Sicilian souvenirs like ceramics and local wines. The terminal’s electronic library, accessible via the Bookmate app, offers over 800,000 books, providing a unique distraction for waiting passengers.
Facilities cater to essential needs, with free Wi-Fi for up to five hours, charging stations near gates, and a medical aid unit available 24/7. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, and free special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance through airlines. A lounge in the departures area offers snacks and drinks for a fee, while a smoking area outside the terminal serves those on layovers, though connecting passengers must re-clear security. Nearby hotels like Hotel Ristorante Cordial, 1 kilometre away, provide rest options for long waits.
On-time performance is generally strong, benefiting from the airport’s small scale and focus on short-haul routes. However, summer peaks can strain resources, leading to occasional delays in boarding or baggage claim. Connections are seamless within the single terminal, with no inter-terminal transfers needed, though international passengers face customs checks, which may add 20-30 minutes. Comiso Vincenzo Magliocco Airport delivers a practical and pleasant experience, blending Sicilian warmth with efficient operations. Its proximity to baroque towns and Mediterranean beaches makes it a convenient entry point for exploring southern Sicily.
