Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), Sicily’s second-busiest airport, handles around 8.9 million passengers annually, serving as a key gateway to the island’s capital. Located 35 kilometres west of Palermo in Punta Raisi, PMO connects to 96 destinations across 26 countries with airlines like Ryanair, Volotea, and easyJet.
The passenger experience at PMO is streamlined, with a single terminal across four levels ensuring easy navigation. Clear signage and digital flight displays guide travellers through check-in on the first floor, security, and boarding on the second floor, with arrivals and baggage claim on the ground level. Staff at the information desk, open from 6:00 AM to midnight, assist with queries, and accessibility features include ramps, lifts, and a Sala Amica lounge for passengers with reduced mobility. Recent upgrades, including LED lighting and a 2019 terminal renovation, enhance comfort, though the terminal can feel crowded during peak times.
Accessing PMO from Palermo is convenient, with a 23-minute drive via the A29 motorway. Parking options include short-term lots near the terminal (€3/hour) and long-term lots with shuttle service (€12/day), with 60 disabled spaces close to entrances. The Prestia e Comandè bus departs every 30 minutes to Via Alcide De Gasperi, costing €6-€7 and taking 38 minutes. The Trinacria Express train from Punta Raisi station, beneath the terminal, reaches Palermo Notarbartolo in 44 minutes for €4-€7.
Taxis cost €75-€95, with ranks outside arrivals, and car hire from Avis, Hertz, and Sixt is in the “Rent a Car” area. Rideshares like Uber are available but less common.
The airport’s layout features a single terminal with 26 check-in desks, five gates with air bridges, and others using bus or pedestrian access to aircraft. Domestic and international flights are processed in one building, with Schengen and non-Schengen areas separated post-security. International arrivals clear customs on the ground floor, with e-gates for EU passengers. Walking times are under 10 minutes, though bus transfers to remote stands may add time. Digital screens and the PMO app aid navigation.
Delays can occur during peak summer months, particularly July and August, with security waits reaching 20-30 minutes. Weather, such as coastal storms, may disrupt flights, so travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic and three hours for international flights, checking status via Flightradar24 or the GESAP website. Ongoing rail and parking construction may cause minor disruptions through 2025.
Dining options include self-service restaurants and bars on the first and second floors, offering Sicilian dishes like arancini at Pan Garni and quick bites at McDonald’s. The Foodmarket serves Italian and international fare, while coffee shops like Illy are in the departures lounge. Retail includes duty-free stores with perfumes and spirits, Feltrinelli Village for books, and shops selling Sicilian ceramics and food products. A pharmacy and newsagent meet travel needs.
Facilities are comprehensive, with free Wi-Fi (Hot Spot GESAP), charging booths in the departure lounge, and a first aid station in arrivals. The GESAP VIP Lounge in Terminal 1 offers snacks, Wi-Fi, and seating for €25 or through membership programs. Family amenities include children’s play areas, and a pet relief zone is outside the terminal. Luggage storage costs €10 per day, and nearby hotels like Magaggiari Hotel Resort (2.3 km) offer shuttle services.
On-time performance is reliable, with Ryanair and Volotea maintaining consistent schedules, though summer crowds can cause minor delays. The airport’s two runways handle 791 weekly flights, minimising congestion. Connections are efficient, with 20-minute minimums for domestic and 45-minute minimums for international transfers, aided by the single-terminal layout. Passengers should confirm gate assignments via airline apps.Potential delays may stem from peak-season crowds, weather, or construction for infrastructure upgrades. Travellers can mitigate risks by using Fast Track services, pre-booking parking, or opting for midweek flights.
