Brindisi - Salento Airport

Brindisi – Salento Airport, often referred to by locals as "Papola-Casale", is not just a transport hub but a true gateway to the sunny region of Puglia. Located on the very "heel" of the Italian boot, it welcomes travellers with the sea breeze of the Adriatic and the relaxed atmosphere of the south even before they leave the terminal. Thanks to its compact size and surprising proximity to the city centre, this airport allows you to begin your Italian holiday just minutes after landing, avoiding long transfers and the hustle of megacities.

Travellers appreciate this airport for a number of key advantages that make the journey comfortable:

Ideal Location. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Brindisi. The journey by taxi or bus takes mere minutes, which is a rarity for major aviation hubs.

Gateway to Salento. Direct shuttle buses (Pugliairbus) depart from here to the region's main tourist gems, including the magnificent baroque city of Lecce and the port of Taranto. This is the most convenient way to reach the popular resorts of the Ionian and Adriatic coasts.

Compactness and Convenience. The terminal consists of a single building where it is impossible to get lost. All processes — from check-in to baggage claim — are quick and stress-free, and in the waiting halls, you can find cafes serving traditional Apulian pastries.

Unique Status. The airport shares its runways with an important UN logistics base, so you can often see the white aircraft of humanitarian missions here, giving the place special significance.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Brindisi – Salento Airport (BDS). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.aeroportidipuglia.it
• Information Service Phone: +39 080 580 0200 (General Information Centre for Puglia Airports)
• Address: Contrada Baroncino, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official Aeroporti di Puglia pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the Lost & Found office. For luggage lost during a flight, you should contact your airline or its handling agent at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can call the information service. To resolve issues related to tickets, check-in, or the flight itself, please contact your airline's representative directly.

Brindisi – Salento Airport (BDS) is very conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making the journey to it quick and simple. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several ways to get to or from the terminal.

The most budget-friendly and popular option is public transport. A special shuttle bus operated by STP Brindisi connects the airport with the centre of Brindisi and its central railway station. Buses run at regular intervals of approximately every 30 minutes. The trip takes only 15–20 minutes, and the ticket cost is about 1-2 Euros. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light.

If you prefer comfort, especially if you have bulky luggage or small children, use a taxi. The taxi rank is easily found right outside the arrivals hall exit. The trip to the city centre will take about 10–15 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 20–30 Euros. Private transfer pre-booking services are also available, which can be convenient for large families or groups.

For those planning to actively explore the picturesque Puglia region, car rental is the ideal solution. Counters for many international and local rental companies are located within the airport building. Having your own car will give you the freedom to explore all corners of southern Italy at your own pace. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure the best rates and selection.

For travellers arriving by private car, parking zones are provided on the airport grounds. You can use either short-term parking (P1, P3), located within walking distance of the terminal, or the more budget-friendly long-term parking (P9) if you plan to leave your car for several days.

When planning your journey, it is also useful to know about alternative air hubs in the region. The nearest major hub is Palese Airport in Bari, which is approximately 113 km away. Additionally, Tirana International Airport and Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport on the island of Corfu are within reach, which may be useful for creating complex itineraries across the Adriatic region.

Brindisi – Salento Airport (BDS) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it very convenient for travellers. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights, including destinations within and outside the Schengen area.

The terminal building has two main levels, and navigating it is intuitive.

• Ground Floor — This is the arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, car rental counters, tourist information centres, and exits to public transport and taxis.
• First Floor — This is the departures area. You can reach it via escalators or lifts. This level houses check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, the security screening area, as well as the main departure lounge with boarding gates.

Since the airport has only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All services and zones are located within a single building, which significantly simplifies movement. After passing security control, passengers enter the secure area, where Duty-Free shops, cafes, restaurants, and waiting lounges are located.

Check-in and screening procedures at Brindisi Airport usually proceed quite quickly thanks to its small size. However, during the peak tourist season (summer), queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2–3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass controls, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

The history of Brindisi Airport, officially known as Salento Airport (Aeroporto del Salento), begins in the 1920s. It was originally created as a military seaplane base, serving seaplanes due to the city's strategic position on the Adriatic coast. In 1934, the first runway was built, and the airport began accepting civil flights, specifically the popular route to Rome operated by the airline Ala Littoria.

During World War II, the airport played a significant military role. It was used as a base for Italian, and later Allied, air forces. After the war ended, civil transport resumed, but until the end of the 20th century, the airport remained relatively small, serving mainly domestic flights and a limited number of international charters.

A key moment in the airport's modern history was its large-scale reconstruction and expansion in the early 2000s. This was linked to the growing popularity of the Puglia region and the Salento peninsula as a tourist destination. In 2008, a new modern passenger terminal was opened, which allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved passenger service quality. It was then that the airport received its current name, highlighting its importance for the entire region.

An interesting fact: Brindisi Airport retains its dual function to this day. Besides serving civil aviation, its grounds host an important United Nations Logistics Base (UNLB). This base supports UN peacekeeping missions around the world, making the airport not only a tourism hub but also a site of international humanitarian significance.

Brindisi – Salento Airport offers its guests all the necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-organised and meets modern passenger service standards. Here you will find several cafes where you can grab a quick sandwich, drink an authentic Italian espresso, or have a full meal enjoying local cuisine. In the shops, including Duty Free, you can purchase souvenirs, typical products of the Puglia region, cosmetics, and other goods.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a calmer atmosphere, a VIP lounge with comfortable seating, snacks, and beverages is available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the waiting halls. Financial matters can be handled using ATMs and a currency exchange point. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid.

The airport caters to all categories of travellers. For passengers with children, a baby care room is equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: from special escort services and ramps to equipped restrooms. Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity and are easily accessible by taxi or shuttle.

Brindisi – Salento Airport (BDS), despite its compact size, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public area and in the departures area after security control, allowing you to refresh yourself at any time before boarding.

In the public area (landside), before security, there is usually a cafe where you can drink an authentic Italian espresso with a croissant (cornetto) or another dessert. This is an excellent place for those seeing off passengers or arriving at the airport early. Sandwiches and soft drinks can also be found here.

The main dining options are concentrated in the departures area (airside), after security control. Here, passengers will find a self-service restaurant offering hot meals. The menu typically includes Italian classics: several types of pasta, pizza, and main courses of meat or fish. For a quicker bite, the bar is perfect, where you can order panini, focaccia, salads, and a variety of beverages.

Once in Puglia, even at the airport, it is worth paying attention to local specialities. Look for rustico leccese on the menu — a savoury pastry filled with mozzarella, tomato, and béchamel, or the sweet pasticciotto — a shortcrust pastry filled with custard. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flavours of the region before departure.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. However, in most establishments, you can find vegetarian variants, such as salads or pasta with vegetable sauce. It is best to check with staff for gluten-free or vegan options. The price range at Brindisi airport corresponds to average European airports — prices here are higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Most cafes and restaurants operate from early morning until the last flight departs, adjusting to the flight schedule.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Brindisi goes as smoothly as possible, there are several points to consider. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic or Schengen area flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass through controls without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. This allows you to proceed directly to baggage drop (if you have any) or security screening.

The screening procedure at Brindisi – Salento Airport is standard for Europe. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag in advance — this will speed up the process. Although the airport is not the largest, it can be crowded during peak hours and the tourist season, so do not leave passing through control to the last minute.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. If you want to enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea coast during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. Aisle seats are more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to be among the first to disembark after landing. For greater comfort, you can study the seating plan of your airline's aircraft on specialised websites in advance.

If you have a connection in Brindisi, further actions depend on your itinerary. For transit within the Schengen area, you will likely not need to pass passport control, but a repeat security screening will be required. For international transit passengers, both controls are mandatory. Customs control in Italy is organised according to the "green" and "red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the green channel.

To save a little, bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so a light snack can be brought with you (except for drinks). Also, research transfer options to the city in advance: public transport is usually cheaper than a taxi, which is best booked through official services.

In the event of a flight delay, first find the information board or contact your airline representative for current information. Remember your rights: for long delays (from 2 hours or more, depending on the flight distance), airlines in the EU are obliged to provide passengers with drinks, food, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. While waiting for your flight, you can spend time in the airport's few cafes or shops.