Brindisi Papola Casale Airport, also known as Salento Airport, lies 6 kilometres north of Brindisi’s city centre in southern Italy’s Apulia region, serving as a key hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and Volotea. Handling over 3.1 million passengers in 2022, it connects to numerous European destinations, including Dublin, London, Paris, and Milan.
The airport’s single terminal, modernised for civilian use since 2008, features check-in desks on the ground floor, security and departures on the first floor, and arrivals with baggage claim below. Clear signage in English and Italian ensures easy navigation, though the compact layout can feel crowded during peak summer months. Passengers often board via tarmac walks or short bus transfers to aircraft stands.
Accessing the airport is straightforward with multiple transport options. The STP Brindisi bus connects to the city centre’s Central Station and Costa Morena port in 15-20 minutes for €1.10, running every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 11:45 PM. Tickets are available at the airport’s newsstand or machines.
Taxis outside the terminal cost €15-€20 for the 10-15 minute ride to central Brindisi, while private transfers to Lecce, 40 kilometres away, start at €60. Car rentals from Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and others are located in the arrivals hall, and the SS379/E55 motorway offers direct access, with 185 parking spaces across short- and long-term lots, free for the first 15 minutes. A shuttle bus to Brindisi railway station facilitates train connections to Lecce or Bari.
Dining and retail options are modest but functional. Airside, Sandrino Bar Gelateria serves ice cream and snacks, while Pulia Ristorazione and La Pucceria offer Italian dishes. A duty-free shop provides perfumes, alcohol, and local souvenirs, complemented by a Relay newsstand and a handbag store.
Landside, a café in the main hall offers rolls and pizza slices, though vegetarian options may be limited later in the day. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a currency exchange counter near the ticketing area. The Sala Amica room, equipped with tactile signage for visually impaired travellers, offers assistance for those with reduced mobility, alongside ramps and adapted toilets. A first aid clinic and meeting rooms are available, but no lounges exist, and seating can be scarce post-security.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with locals noting quick customs processing, but peak seasons see delays due to high traffic.
Security queues can take 20-30 minutes, particularly for UK-bound flights requiring extra checks. Weather disruptions, such as strong winds, may affect schedules, so arriving three hours early for international flights is advised.
Connections are limited, as the airport primarily serves point-to-point routes, but transfers within the single terminal are swift, with domestic-to-domestic taking 20 minutes and international up to 45 minutes due to passport control. Passengers with separate tickets may need to reclaim luggage and recheck, adding up to an hour.
Potential delays to watch for include congestion at security and check-in during peak hours, with staffing shortages occasionally slowing processes. Baggage handling can take up to 45 minutes, and the lack of vending machines or 24-hour dining options may inconvenience late-night travellers. The small terminal’s limited seating and occasional understaffing add to discomfort during delays.
Brindisi Papola Casale Airport’s compact design, affordable transport links, and practical amenities make it a convenient gateway to Apulia’s beaches and historic towns like Lecce and Ostuni
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates seasonal flights to Dublin from the Main Terminal at Brindisi Airport. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Area (desks 1–10 range), but assignments vary due to the airport’s small 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.
Departure Gates: Departures are usually from Gates 1–5 in the Schengen area. Specific gates are assigned close to departure and displayed on airport screens. Brindisi is a seasonal route, so confirm flight schedules and arrive 90 minutes before departure.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates flights to Dublin on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 1–10). Passengers should verify desk assignments on airport screens.Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from Schengen gates (gates 1–5).
