Comiso Airport

Comiso Airport, named after Pio La Torre, is not merely a transport hub, but a truly welcoming gateway to the world of Sicilian Baroque. Located at the foot of the Hyblaean Mountains, this former military airfield has been transformed into a modern and comfortable haven for tourists wishing to immerse themselves immediately in the atmosphere of southern Italy, bypassing the noise and bustle of giant hubs. Thanks to its convenient location, it has become the ideal starting point for journeys to the golden beaches of the coast and the architectural masterpieces of the Val di Noto, which are under UNESCO protection.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Strategic Location: The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the region's main gems — the cities of Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli. This allows you to start your tour programme almost immediately after landing, saving time on transfers.
• Speed and Comfort: The compact size of the terminal guarantees fast passport control and baggage claim. There are rarely the long queues typical of large international airports here.
• Modern Infrastructure: Opened for civil flights in 2013, the terminal features fresh renovations, cleanliness, and intuitive navigation, making your stay here pleasant and calm.
• Accessibility for Budget Travellers: The airport is actively oriented towards working with low-cost carriers, which opens up opportunities for affordable flights to Sicily from various corners of Europe and Italy.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Comiso Airport (CIY), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: On the website www.aeroportodicomiso.eu you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, passenger regulations, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +39 0932 961467.
• Airport Address: Strada Provinciale 5, 97013 Comiso RG, Italy.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address info@aeroportodicomiso.eu.
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on social networks (such as Facebook), where operational updates and useful information are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact your airline representative first. For items left within the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost & Found service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, use the information desk phone or the feedback form on the official website.

Reaching Comiso Airport (CIY), which serves the south-eastern part of Sicily in Italy, is possible via several methods from the city of Comiso and neighbouring regions. The choice of the optimal option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel around the island.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. Buses play the main role here. Several bus companies, including AST, connect the airport with the centre of Comiso, as well as with important cities such as Ragusa, Vittoria, and Gela. The journey from the centre of Comiso to the terminal takes about 15–20 minutes. The ticket price is usually around 2.50–5 EUR. It is important to check the schedule in advance, especially on weekends or outside the tourist season, as the frequency of trips may change.

Taxi and Private Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest option. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals area exit. A trip to the centre of Comiso will be quick, taking no more than 15 minutes, and will cost approximately 20–30 EUR. A trip to the larger neighbouring city of Ragusa will cost about 40–50 EUR. This method is ideal if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply wish to avoid waiting. For greater convenience and a fixed price, you can book an individual transfer online in advance.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom and flexibility. In the arrivals hall of Comiso Airport, you will find counters for several well-known rental agencies. By renting a car, you can easily explore the treasures of Sicily, from the Baroque towns of Val di Noto, listed by UNESCO, to magnificent beaches. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the summer months, to guarantee the availability of the desired model at a favourable price.

For those arriving at the airport by private or rented car, parking is provided. Zones for short-term and long-term parking are located within walking distance of the terminal, making the process of dropping off and picking up passengers very convenient.

When planning your journey, it is worth considering other air hubs in the region. The largest alternatives are Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO). Other options include Tito Minniti Airport (REG) on the Italian mainland and Malta International Airport (MLA), connected to Sicily by ferry service. Also located nearby is Sigonella Airport (NSY).

Comiso Airport (CIY), serving the south-eastern part of Sicily in Italy, represents a compact and modern aviation hub. Its distinctive feature is simplicity and convenience for passengers, due to the presence of only one terminal. This building serves both departing and arriving flights, making navigation through the airport as simple as possible.

The terminal layout is intuitive. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, and the baggage claim area — are located in one building a short distance from each other. Navigation will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time: clear signs in Italian and English are installed everywhere. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings.

The departure zone is located after the check-in counters and the security checkpoint. Here passengers will find several boarding gates, a small waiting lounge, and basic amenities. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building and includes the baggage claim belt and customs control. The exit from the arrivals zone leads directly to the public hall, where you can meet arriving passengers or find car rental company counters.

A feature of the airport in Comiso is its functionality and lack of excess. This is a former military base converted into a modern civil airport, so everything here is subject to logic and speed of service. The check-in and security screening process typically takes significantly less time than in large international airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without haste.

The history of Comiso Airport (CIY), also known as Pio La Torre Airport, is a unique transformation from a strategic military facility to an important civil transport hub. Its path began in the 1930s, when a military airfield was built between 1935 and 1939, named after General Vincenzo Magliocco. During World War II, it was used by both Italian and German air forces, and in 1943 was captured by Allied forces during the invasion of Sicily.

The most famous and tense period in the airport's history occurred during the Cold War. In the 1980s, following a NATO decision, the base in Comiso became one of the key sites in Europe for the deployment of American BGM-109G cruise missiles. From 1983 to 1991, the 487th Tactical Missile Wing of the US Air Force was stationed here, making the airfield an object of close attention and a site for mass anti-war demonstrations. This stage left a deep mark on the history of not only the airport but the entire region.

With the end of the Cold War and the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the military base was closed. In the 1990s, the idea arose to convert the vast territory for civil needs. The conversion process was long and complex, requiring significant investment and modernisation work. Old military hangars, the runway, and infrastructure were completely reconstructed to meet civil aviation standards.

The official opening of Comiso Airport for civil flights took place on May 30, 2013. An interesting fact: the airport received a second name in honour of Pio La Torre — a Sicilian politician who was a fierce opponent of missile deployment at the base and fell victim to the Mafia. Thus, the former military stronghold transformed into a symbol of peace and openness, becoming an important gateway for tourists wishing to explore the south-eastern part of Italy, rich in Baroque architecture and beautiful beaches.

Comiso Airport (CIY), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and bars where you can drink a genuine Italian espresso, have a snack with a sandwich, or enjoy Sicilian pastries. There is also a Duty Free shop offering a range of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and local souvenirs.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need a quiet environment for work, the airport has a VIP Lounge. Here you can relax in comfortable armchairs, taking advantage of complimentary snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in waiting areas so you can always stay connected.

ATMs (Bancomat) are located in the airport for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange points may be limited, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. For emergencies, a First Aid Point operates around the clock in the terminal, ready to provide necessary support.

Comiso Airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Assistance services are provided for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), including a special waiting room called "Sala Amica". It is recommended to book the assistance service in advance through your airline. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are provided.

There are no hotels on the territory of the airport itself, however, many accommodation options can be found in the nearest towns — Comiso and Ragusa, which are easily accessible by taxi or bus. Specialized conference halls or business centres are not provided in the airport, but for business meetings or working in silence, you can use the services of the VIP Lounge.

Comiso Airport (CIY), being a compact regional airport, offers travellers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. There is no huge food court here as in metropolises, but the available cafes and bars fully satisfy the needs of passengers awaiting their flight.

The main dining points are located both in the public area before security (landside) and in the departure zone after passport control (airside). This allows both those who have just arrived at the airport and those preparing for boarding to have a snack. The opening hours of establishments are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so you will always be able to find an open cafe.

The menu mainly offers classics of Italian cafes. For a quick snack, a cup of aromatic espresso or cappuccino with fresh pastries, such as a traditional croissant or cornetto, is ideal. If you are more hungry, look out for panini with various fillings (cheese, vegetables, cured meats), focaccia, or slices of pizza. To taste the flavour of Sicily, look for arancini in the menu — famous fried rice balls with savoury fillings.

Although there are no specialised vegan or gluten-free restaurants in the airport, finding suitable options is still possible. Vegetarians will easily find panini with mozzarella and tomatoes or vegetable salads. For other dietary restrictions, it is better to rely on packaged snacks, fruits, or drinks. Prices for food and beverages here are moderate, but, as in most airports, slightly higher than in the city.

To ensure your journey through Comiso Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, take advantage of our tips. Vincenzo Magliocco Airport (CIY) is small and modern, making it quite convenient for passengers, but knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite the fact that Comiso Airport is not as large as the main air hubs of Italy, it is worth arriving in advance. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 3 hours before international ones. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop (if you have any) or to security screening.

Passing Control and Seat Selection: Security checkpoints in small airports are usually less busy, but one should not relax. Prepare all liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and take out electronics. When choosing a seat on the plane, if possible, choose a window seat — during take-off and landing, picturesque views of the Sicilian landscapes may open up to you.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Standard rules for carrying hand luggage apply here. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids. Regarding customs control, for flights within the Schengen area, it is generally absent. However, upon arrival from countries outside the EU, you will need to pass through the red or green channel depending on whether you have goods to declare.

Transfers and Savings: Comiso Airport is rarely used as a major transfer hub. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure it is organised by a single airline. With a self-transfer, you will most likely have to collect your luggage and go through check-in again. To save money, book a transfer from the airport in advance, bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after security), and light snacks, as prices in the airport are traditionally higher.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Remember your rights: depending on the duration of the delay and the flight distance (according to EU regulations), you may be entitled to drinks, meals, and for long waits — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses.