Luigi Ridolfi

Luigi Ridolfi Airport is not merely an air gateway to Forlì, but a convenient starting point for exploring the treasures of the Emilia-Romagna region. Situated between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic coast, it serves as an excellent alternative to the larger and busier airports of Italy. From here, it is easy to reach both famous beach resorts and historic cities, making it an ideal choice for a diverse journey.

The main advantage of Forlì Airport is its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or confusing terminals here, allowing you to go through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without stress. This is particularly valuable for families with children and those who prefer a calm start to their holiday. Recently modernised, the airport offers all necessary services: from cafes and shops to car rental.

Another important advantage is its strategic location. From here, you can reach the famous resorts of Rimini and Riccione, as well as cultural gems such as Ravenna with its Byzantine mosaics or Bologna, in just 30 to 60 minutes. Thanks to a developed network of bus routes and proximity to major motorways, travelling around the region will be maximally comfortable.

• Official website: www.forli-airport.com
• Help desk phone: +39 0543 474990
• Address: Via Carlo Seganti, 103, 47121 Forlì (FC), Italia
• Email: info@forli-airport.com
• Social media: Current links to the airport's official social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) are available on the main page of their website.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the baggage tracing service by phone at +39 0543 474932 or by email at lostandfound@forli-airport.com.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information, assistance, and support, you may use the main help desk phone number or the airport's email address.

Getting to Luigi Ridolfi Airport from the city of Forlì and back is possible via several convenient methods suitable for any budget and travel style. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so the journey will not take much time.

Public Transport: The most economical way is the city bus. Route No. 7 operated by Start Romagna connects the airport with the central railway station (Stazione di Forlì) and key points in the city. The trip takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops (tabaccheria), newsstands, or via a mobile app. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light.

Taxi and Transfer: For maximum comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, you can take a taxi. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrival terminal exit. The trip to the centre of Forlì will take about 10-15 minutes. The cost will be higher than the bus, but you get a "door-to-door" service. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver in the arrivals hall.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to explore the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region and other parts of Italy, renting a car is the ideal solution. Desks of several international and local rental companies are located within the airport building. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, located within walking distance of the terminal.

It is also worth noting that the region is served by other airports. If your route passes through larger aviation hubs, getting to Forlì will not be difficult. Nearby options include Miramare Airport in Rimini, the major Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, and Florence Peretola Airport. From these cities, you can easily reach Forlì by train or bus.

Luigi Ridolfi Airport (FRL), serving the city of Forlì and the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, is a compact and modern aviation hub. Its main advantage for travellers is the simple and logical organisation of space, which allows avoiding the hustle and bustle characteristic of large airports.

All airport operations are concentrated in a single passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between different buildings, which significantly saves time and energy. The terminal layout is intuitive: all key zones are located within walking distance of each other.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The ground floor houses check-in counters and the arrival area with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening and enter the airside zone, where boarding gates are located. Despite its modest size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: small cafes, shops, and car rental desks.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Due to the compactness of the terminal and lower passenger flow compared to giants like Rome or Milan, check-in and security screening proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, to go through all procedures without haste. Navigating the airport is easy: follow the signs, which are duplicated in English.

The history of Forlì Airport, officially named after the famous local aviator and war hero Luigi Ridolfi, begins in 1935. It was initially created as a military airfield and served as an important base for the Royal Air Force of Italy. This military past laid a solid foundation for the future development of aviation in the Emilia-Romagna region.

After the end of the Second World War, the airport began its transition to civil use. For many years, it functioned as a small regional airport, serving primarily domestic and charter flights. This stage was important for establishing transport connections, but the real breakthrough was yet to come.

A revolutionary phase in the airport's history began at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries with the arrival of budget airlines. Forlì became one of the first and most important hubs for low-cost carriers in Italy, which radically changed its status. Thanks to this, passenger flow grew manifold, turning the modest airport into a busy international gateway. To meet new requirements, significant modernisation of the terminal and infrastructure was carried out.

However, this period of success was followed by serious difficulties. In 2013, due to financial problems of the management company and the departure of key carriers, the airport was forced to cease operations completely. For the region, this was a significant event, and for several years the air harbour was plunged into silence.

A new chapter in the history of Luigi Ridolfi Airport opened in late 2020. After a change of ownership and comprehensive reconstruction, it was ceremoniously reopened. Today, the renewed airport is actively developing its route network, attracting new airlines and striving to regain its position as an important transport hub for travellers heading to the heart of Italy.

Luigi Ridolfi Airport (FRL) offers its passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes, drink a cup of aromatic Italian espresso, or have a full lunch in a restaurant serving dishes of the famous cuisine of Italy. In the departure zone, there is a Duty Free shop with a standard assortment of perfumes, beverages, and souvenirs, as well as stalls where you can purchase local delicacies of the Emilia-Romagna region.

For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge may be available at the airport, where you can wait for boarding in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers throughout the terminal. If your smartphone or laptop runs out of battery, you will easily find power outlets and special charging stations in the waiting halls.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are located in the terminal of Forlì Airport. For families with small children, a mother and child room is provided, equipped with a changing table and everything necessary for infant care. In case of need, first aid can be obtained at a special point in the airport.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking (it is recommended to book the service in advance through the airline), and the building is equipped with ramps and adapted washrooms. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, you will find numerous accommodation options in the immediate vicinity and in the city itself. Basic business services may be available for business travellers.

Luigi Ridolfi Airport in Forlì, despite its compact size, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal, allowing you to enjoy the tastes of Italy right before departure. Catering establishments are located both in the public zone and in the departure zone after security control.

In the public area (landside), located before check-in counters and security control, a cafe usually operates. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for an early breakfast before checking in for a flight. Here you can drink a cup of aromatic Italian espresso or cappuccino with fresh pastries, for example, with a traditional cornetto, or grab a sandwich to go.

The main dining area is located after passing security control (airside), in the departure hall. Here, a bar-café offers a wider range of dishes and beverages. For a quick snack, panini with various fillings, fresh salads, or a slice of pizza are excellent choices. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, pay attention to local specialities. We highly recommend trying the Piadina Romagnola — a thin flatbread with fillings such as cheese and rocket, which is a calling card of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find sandwiches with cheese and vegetables or salads. Ready-made vegan or gluten-free dishes may not be on the menu, but pre-packaged fruit salads or snacks can often be found. It is recommended to carefully study the ingredients on the packaging.

Prices at the airport correspond to the average level for similar establishments in European airports — they are higher than in the city. The opening hours of cafes and bars are usually tied to the flight schedule; they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Luigi Ridolfi Airport in the city of Forlì can be easy and pleasant if you know a few useful nuances. To ensure your trip around Italy begins and ends without stress, take advantage of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Forlì Airport is not as large as the country's main air hubs, but arriving in advance is still worthwhile. We recommend being at the airport 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. Queues at check-in counters usually move quickly, and staff at security control work efficiently. Prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices in advance to speed up screening.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who want the freedom to stand up and stretch their legs. Before travelling, be sure to check the hand luggage allowance — weight and dimensions — on the airline's website. Low-cost carriers are often particularly strict about these rules. Sharp objects, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

Transfers and Customs. Forlì Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transfer hub. If you are planning a self-transfer, note that you will likely have to collect your luggage, exit the transit zone, check in again for the next flight, and go through security control. Upon arrival from non-Schengen countries, you will have to pass passport control. Customs inspection is standard: if you have nothing to declare, use the "Green Channel".

Saving Money and Flight Delays. To save money, book a taxi or transfer to the city online in advance. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Remember the rights of air passengers in the EU (Regulation EU261), which may provide for the provision of meals, beverages, and even hotel accommodation during long delays.