Olbia-Costa Smeralda-Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Airport (OLB), Sardinia’s main gateway, handles around 3.8 million passengers annually, serving as a key hub for the Costa Smeralda region. Located 4 kilometres southeast of Olbia city centre, the airport connects to 81 destinations across 24 countries with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea.
The passenger experience at OLB is designed for ease, with a modern 43,500-square-metre terminal featuring clear signage and digital flight screens. Staff at the infopoint in the arrivals hall assist with queries, and the airport’s compact design ensures quick navigation, with security checks typically taking under 15 minutes. Accessibility is prioritised, with dedicated support for passengers with reduced mobility, including a Sala Amica waiting area and 40 reserved parking spaces. Recent upgrades, including a 2004 terminal expansion, enhance comfort with Sardinian design elements like local flora displays.
Accessing OLB from Olbia is straightforward, with a 10-minute drive via the SS125 or SS729 motorways. Parking is ample, with over 1,100 spaces across short-term (Sector C, €2.50/hour) and long-term (Sectors A and B, €12/day) lots, all within walking distance, though construction for a new rail line may limit availability. Public buses (ASPO lines 2 and 10) run every 15-30 minutes to Via Gabriele D’Annunzio, costing €1.30 and taking 10-15 minutes. The Olbia Airlink connects the airport to Olbia Terranova train station for €1, enabling onward travel to Cagliari or Sassari.
Taxis cost €15 to the city centre, with ranks outside arrivals, and car hire from Avis, Hertz, and Europcar is 50 metres from the terminal.
The airport’s single terminal houses check-in, security, and 16 boarding gates on the ground floor, with five equipped with jet bridges. Arrivals, including Schengen and non-Schengen, are processed in a dedicated hall with e-gates for EU passengers, and baggage claim is nearby. The layout ensures walking times under 10 minutes, with no need for shuttles. A mezzanine level hosts a business centre, chapel, and small museum, adding unique touches to the terminal experience.
Delays can occur during peak summer months, particularly July and August, with security waits reaching 20-30 minutes. Coastal fog or storms may affect flights, so travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic and three hours for international flights, checking status via the Geasar website or Flightradar24. Ongoing rail and parking construction may cause minor disruptions, so early arrival is advised.
Dining options reflect Sardinian flavours, with La Plage restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes and Karawine wine bar serving local wines. Karakiosk Restaurant, set in a courtyard-style garden, provides light bites, while Euro Café caters to quick needs. Retail includes duty-free shops, Feltrinelli Village for books, and Corte Smeralda boutiques for Sardinian crafts, clothing, and accessories like Carpisa leather goods. A newsagent and pharmacy meet travel essentials.
Facilities enhance comfort, with free Wi-Fi (“Wifi Olbia Airport”), charging stations, and a Club Lounge (€28) offering relaxation and snacks. Family amenities include a Nursery and Baby Club, while a pet relief area is outside the terminal. Luggage storage (€10/24 hours) and baggage wrapping services operate daily, and ATMs are in parking areas. The nearby Jazz Hotel, a five-minute walk, provides convenient accommodation.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Volotea and Ryanair maintaining consistent schedules, though summer congestion can cause minor delays. The 2,446-metre runway supports over 100 daily flights in peak season, minimising bottlenecks. 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 summer crowds, weather, or construction for the new rail line, expected to continue through 2025. Travellers can mitigate risks by using the €15 Fast Track service for security or booking midweek flights.
