Alghero-Fertilia Airport

Alghero-Fertilia Airport, proudly bearing the name "Riviera del Corallo," is not merely a transport hub but a welcoming gateway to the sunny northwest of Sardinia. Thanks to its compact size and convenient location, it allows travellers to almost instantly switch from an aeroplane seat to relaxing by the sea or strolling through the city's ancient Catalan streets. A calm and measured atmosphere reigns here, devoid of the tiring bustle of giant aviation hubs, setting the mood for a holiday from the very first minutes of arrival.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of this air harbour is its convenient location. The airport is located just a 15–20 minute drive from the centre of Alghero, served regularly by city buses and taxis. This makes it the ideal starting point for a journey along the "Coral Coast" (Riviera del Corallo).

The terminal is notable for its compactness and ease of navigation. It is impossible to get lost here: the arrival and departure zones are intuitively laid out, and queues at passport control and baggage claim move significantly faster than in large capital airports.

Special attention is paid here to independent travellers. The airport features a wide selection of car rental offices, which is extremely important for Sardinia, where a car is the best way to explore the island's hidden coves and picturesque winding roads.

• Official website: www.aeroportodialghero.it
• Information desk phone: +39 079 935282
• Address: Regione Nuraghe Biancu, 07041 Alghero SS, Italy
• Email: info@sogeaal.it
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on Facebook and Instagram, where it publishes current news and answers passenger questions.
• Lost & Found Information: To search for lost items, please contact the Lost & Found office. Phone: +39 079 5570027, E-mail: oggettismarriti@sogeaal.it
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your journey, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is conveniently located just 10 kilometres northwest of the city centre of Alghero, making it easily accessible for travellers. There are several ways to get to or from the airport, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The journey takes 15 to 30 minutes on average.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to reach the centre of Alghero is to use the ARST bus service. Route No. 9373 (Alghero - Aeroporto Fertilia) runs regularly, approximately once an hour throughout the day. The stop is located to the right of the exit from the arrivals terminal. The trip takes about 25-30 minutes. The ticket cost is approximately €1-1.5 if purchased in advance at newsstands or tobacco shops (tabacchi), and slightly more expensive if bought from the driver. Buses also depart from the airport to other Sardinian cities, such as Sassari and Stintino.

Taxi and Transfers
For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family, you can take a taxi. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals hall exit. A trip to the centre of Alghero will take about 15-20 minutes, and the cost will be approximately €20-25. It is recommended to clarify the fare with the driver in advance. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer online, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver at the airport.

Car Rental
If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Italy and the coast of Sardinia, renting a car is an ideal option. Offices of many well-known rental companies are located in the arrivals hall of Alghero-Fertilia Airport. By booking a car in advance, you will save time and money. The road to the city is simple and well-marked — follow the signs to Alghero on the SP44 highway. This gives you complete freedom of movement around the island.

Airport Parking
For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term (P1, Comfort) and long-term parking (P2, Low Cost), located within a few minutes' walk from the terminal. This is a convenient option if you need to meet or see someone off, or leave your car for the duration of your trip.

The airport in Alghero is a key transport hub for northwest Sardinia, but it is worth keeping other air harbours of the island in mind. Depending on your route, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the northeast or Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south of the island may also be convenient for you.

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is a modern and compact airport serving the northern part of Sardinia. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making it particularly convenient for tourists.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one two-storey terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This compactness is a great advantage, as you will not have to spend much time moving around. All zones are easily accessible, and navigation is simplified thanks to clear signs in Italian and English.

Arrival and Departure Zones

The terminal layout is logical and standard for most European airports:

• Ground Floor (Piano Terra): This is the arrivals zone. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, car rental counters, a tourist information centre, and the exit to the city. There are also several cafes here where you can wait for your transfer.
• First Floor (Primo Piano): This is the departures zone. Here you will find flight check-in counters, security control, and the main waiting hall with boarding gates. Shops, including Duty Free, and restaurants are also concentrated in this area.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, the issue of transferring between them is not relevant — everything is located in one building.

Procedures and Recommendations

Thanks to the small size of the airport, passing through check-in and security usually takes little time. On average, it is worth arriving at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. In the peak season (from June to August), passenger flow increases, so it is better to allow a little more time, about 2-2.5 hours, to avoid rushing. Navigation at Alghero Airport will not cause difficulties: simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs. All key zones are located close to each other, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), also known as "Riviera del Corallo", dates back to 1938, when it was founded as a military airfield. During the Second World War, it played an important strategic role, and after it ended, a gradual transition to civil use began. Officially, the airport opened for commercial flights in the late 1960s, marking the beginning of tourism development in this part of Sardinia.

A key stage in the airport's development was the 1970s, when the first passenger terminal was built. However, the real breakthrough occurred at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries with the arrival of budget airlines. This event turned Alghero-Fertilia into one of the island's main air gateways. To cope with the growing passenger flow, a large-scale modernisation was carried out in the 2000s, culminating in the opening of a new, modern terminal in 2008.

In subsequent years, the airport infrastructure continued to improve: the runway was reconstructed, parking lots were expanded, and passenger service areas were updated. Today, Alghero Airport not only serves millions of tourists annually but is also an important economic centre for the entire northwest of Sardinia. An interesting fact: the airport received its second name, "Riviera del Corallo" (Coral Riviera), in honour of the famous coast of Alghero, known for the harvesting of precious red corals.

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), despite its relatively small size, provides passengers with a full range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminal is well organised, and everything necessary is within walking distance.

For those who are hungry, the airport has several cafes, bars, and a restaurant where you can have a quick snack with a sandwich or a full meal, enjoying Sardinian cuisine. In the departure zone, there are Duty Free shops with a traditional assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and sweets. In addition, you can find stalls with local products here — an excellent opportunity to buy edible souvenirs from Italy, for example, Pecorino cheese, cured meats, or famous Sardinian produce.

For passengers who value comfort and privacy, a VIP lounge is available. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, take advantage of complimentary snacks and drinks, read the latest press, or work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging zones for electronic devices are provided in the waiting halls, allowing you to always stay connected.

Financial matters can also be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and a currency exchange point are available to travellers. For passengers with small children, special mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available. In case of necessity, you can contact the first aid station, which operates within the terminal.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided during boarding, disembarking, and moving around the terminal. To receive this service, it is recommended to notify your airline of the need for assistance at least 48 hours before departure.

Although there are no hotels directly in the airport building, many accommodation options — from budget guest houses to comfortable hotels — can be found within a few minutes' drive from the terminal and in the city of Alghero itself. There are no specialised conference halls in the airport, however, the VIP lounge can serve as a convenient place for holding business meetings or quiet work before departure.

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), being a compact regional airport, offers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here is not as vast as in major international hubs, you can easily find quality Italian coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty sandwiches to refresh yourself before your flight or after arrival.

The main dining points are located both in the public area (landside) and in the departure area after passing security control (airside). In the public area, there is a cafe-bar, which is perfect for those seeing off or meeting passengers. Here you can leisurely drink a cup of espresso or cappuccino with a fresh croissant (cornetto). The main establishments are located in the departure zone, where passengers spend most of their time waiting for their flight. Here, the selection is usually slightly wider.

The menus of local cafes are dominated by classic Italian snacks. We recommend paying attention to panini and tramezzini with various fillings. To feel the local flavour, look for sandwiches with Sardinian products, for example, with Pecorino cheese or local cured meats. For a more substantial lunch, you can find takeaway pizza (pizza al taglio) or simple hot dishes, such as pasta. Of course, no visit to an Italian airport is complete without excellent coffee — from strong ristretto to creamy latte.

For passengers with special dietary needs, there are a few points to consider. Vegetarians can easily find suitable options, for example, "Caprese" panini with mozzarella and tomatoes or pastries. However, finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes can be challenging. It is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes directly with the staff. Alternatively, you can find pre-packaged salads, fruits, or gluten-free snacks in the airport shops.

Prices at Alghero Airport correspond to standard airport rates — they are higher than in the city. A cup of coffee and a pastry will cost approximately 3-5 euros, while the cost of a panini or a simple hot dish is about 7-15 euros. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning before the first departures and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

If you are short on time, the ideal choice would be a quick snack at one of the bars: a cup of coffee, drunk Italian-style standing right at the counter, and a fresh pastry will charge you with energy. For a more relaxed and hearty lunch, it is better to sit at a table in a cafe in the departure zone. Here you can enjoy pasta or a large portion of salad without rushing, watching the aeroplanes.

To ensure your journey through Alghero-Fertilia Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. Considering this is a popular air gateway to northwest Sardinia, especially in the summer season, plan your time with a margin. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights within Italy.

To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters and head straight to security control. The screening procedure is standard, but be prepared for it to take longer during peak months.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. Do you want to enjoy a last look at the emerald coast? Book a window seat. If freedom of movement is important to you, it is better to choose an aisle seat. For flights departing from Alghero to the north, the best views of the coast open up from the left side (seats A, B, C).

Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous substances are prohibited. Be sure to check the weight and dimension limits for hand luggage with your airline, as they can vary significantly.

Alghero Airport is not a major transit hub, so most transfers here are self-managed. If you have such a route planned, leave a significant time margin between flights. You will most likely have to collect your luggage, check in again, and go through all pre-flight formalities.

Passengers travelling within the Schengen area usually do not go through passport control. For flights to countries outside the Schengen area, this procedure is mandatory. Customs control is carried out using the "green" and "red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "green" channel.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after security, as well as light snacks from home — prices at the airport are traditionally higher. The most budget-friendly way to get to or from the airport is public transport (buses), which is significantly cheaper than a taxi.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. The airline is obliged to inform you about the flight status and, depending on the length of the wait, provide vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation in accordance with EU regulations. Having travel insurance will also help cover unforeseen expenses.