Latina Airport

Latina Airport, proudly bearing the name of the renowned aviator Enrico Comani, is not merely a transport hub but a true training ground for Italian aces. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre and an hour's drive from the Eternal City, this airfield breathes history and discipline, serving as the home of the Italian Air Force's 70th Wing. Here, instead of the hustle and bustle of mass tourist flows, an atmosphere of professionalism reigns, where cadets take to the skies for the first time, and private aviation finds a convenient haven in the heart of the Lazio region.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Latina Airport is a key centre for pilot training: it is the base of the famous 70th Wing (70° Stormo) of the Italian Air Force, which is responsible for the selection and training of future pilots. Thanks to this fact, the airfield's infrastructure is maintained in pristine condition, meeting the strictest military safety standards.

Although the airport does not serve regular commercial flights for major airlines, it plays a significant role for light and private aviation. Owners of private aircraft appreciate it for its convenient location relative to Rome and the picturesque Tyrrhenian coast, as well as the absence of the chaos typical of large international hubs. Furthermore, aviation events and open days are frequently held on the premises, attracting history and technology enthusiasts.

The architectural appearance of the complex retains the features of 1930s Rationalism, reminiscent of the time when the city of Latina (then Littoria) was founded. This gives the place a special charm, turning an ordinary takeoff or landing into a small journey through time.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have a separate commercial website as it is a military facility. Information about the activities of the 70th Wing can be found on the Italian Air Force portal (www.aeronautica.difesa.it), and for private pilots, the Latina Aeroclub website is available (www.aeroclublatina.it).
• Information Desk Phone: +39 0773 8211 (Military Base Switchboard) or +39 0773 631513 (Aeroclub Secretariat).
• Airport Address: Via dell'Aeroporto, 1, 04013 Latina Scalo LT, Italy.
• Email: segreteria@aeroclublatina.it (for inquiries regarding private aviation and the aeroclub).
• Airport Social Media: News is published on the official accounts of Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: Service unavailable. The airport does not handle scheduled commercial flights, so a standard baggage tracing service is not provided.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Since the airport functions as a training base and private aviation centre, 24-hour passenger support and tourist information desks are not available at the terminal.

Since Latina Airport (QLT) is a military facility and a base for private aviation, it does not accept scheduled passenger flights. Most travellers heading to this region arrive at large international hubs located nearby and then reach Latina by ground transport.

However, if your destination is specifically the Enrico Comani Airfield (for example, you are a private jet pilot, an air show participant, or a guest of the aeroclub), getting there is straightforward, as it is located in a strategically convenient place — in the Latina Scalo area, in the immediate vicinity of the railway station.

Nearest International Airports for Tourists:

For general tourists, the gateways to Latina are the airports of Rome. The most convenient option is Ciampino G. B. Pastine International Airport, located just 39 km from the city. It is a base for many low-cost carriers, making the flight budget-friendly.

Italy's main air hub — Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumichino Airport — is located slightly further away, approximately 61 km. From there, you can arrive by direct train or transfer. You can also consider Naples Capodichino Airport, although it is located significantly further away (about 137 km).

How to Get to the Airfield by Public Transport:

The main link is the railway. Latina Airport is located just 1.5–2 kilometres from the Latina railway station. Trains from Rome (from Termini Station) depart regularly (approximately every 30–60 minutes), and the journey takes 35–45 minutes. The ticket price for a regional train usually ranges from 4 to 5 Euros.

From Latina Scalo station to the airfield entrance, you can get there:

• On foot: The walk will take about 15–20 minutes, however, please note the lack of convenient pavements on some sections of the road.
• By local bus: CSC (Città di Latina) buses run between the station and the city centre. Routes passing through Latina Scalo are suitable for you. The stop is located in the immediate vicinity of the military base. A ticket costs about 1.5 Euros.

If you are travelling from the Latina city centre (which is 9 km from the station and airport), you will also need the city bus network (lines connecting Latina Città and Latina Scalo/Stazione). The bus journey from the centre will take about 20–25 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer:

This is the most comfortable way to get to the location, especially if you have luggage. Taxi ranks are located at the exit of the Latina railway station, as well as in the main squares in the city centre (Piazza del Popolo).

• Cost: A trip from the station to the airfield gates will cost approximately 10–15 Euros. From Latina city centre to the airport, the price will be around 20–25 Euros.
• Travel time: From the station — 3–5 minutes; from the city centre — 15 minutes.

Car and Rental:

Travelling by car is an excellent option for exploring the Lazio region. The airport is located next to the SS7 highway (the famous Appian Way). If you rent a car at Roman airports, the journey will take about an hour.

GPS coordinates will lead you to Via dell'Aeroporto. The roads in this area are of good quality, and traffic is moderate, except for rush hours entering Rome or towards the sea during the summer season.

Parking:

Since the airport is not a civilian terminal, there are no huge paid parking lots here. However, parking spaces are provided for visitors to the Latina Aeroclub and guests of the base near the entrance or within the club grounds (a pass or prior arrangement is required). Near the Latina Scalo railway station, located nearby, there are large park-and-ride facilities where you can leave your car for a reasonable fee (about 2–3 Euros per day).

Recommendations for Travellers:

It is important to remember that the territory of the 70th Wing of the Air Force is a restricted facility. Free access is prohibited. If you are heading to the Aeroclub, ensure you have an appointment for the visit and carry identification documents with you. If you are simply a tourist, it is best to admire the taking-off training aircraft from the areas adjacent to the station without approaching the fences of the military zone.

Since Latina Airport (QLT) functions primarily as a military airbase with access for light civil aviation, its structure differs radically from familiar passenger hubs. Here you will not find multi-storey complexes with jet bridges, baggage claim belts, or Duty Free zones. The terminal infrastructure is adapted to the needs of Air Force cadets and Aeroclub members.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

In fact, the airport has no division into classic terminals (T1, T2, etc.). The infrastructure can be roughly divided into two zones:

• Military Zone (Zona Militare): The closed territory of the Italian Air Force's 70th Wing. Access for civilians is strictly prohibited here. Hangars for training equipment, barracks, administrative buildings, and classrooms are located here.
• Civil Zone (Aeroclub): The small administrative building of the Latina Aeroclub, which acts as the sole "terminal" for private pilots and their passengers. This is a compact single-storey structure where all necessary services for supporting light aviation flights are concentrated.

Layout and Navigation

Navigation around the facility is extremely simple and intuitive, as the civil sector occupies a very limited area. It is impossible to get lost here. After passing the checkpoint at the entrance (Gate), visitors immediately arrive at the Aeroclub building.

Inside the Aeroclub "terminal", you will find:

• Registration desk and administrative office (Segreteria).
• Briefing and flight planning room.
• Rest area (lounge) for pilots and guests.
• Small café/bar.
• Restrooms.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Unlike commercial airports, there is no separation of flows for departing and arriving passengers in Latina. Entry to the apron (airfield) and exit from it are carried out through the same door of the Aeroclub building, which opens directly to the aircraft parking stands. Private flight passengers walk from the car to the aircraft; the distance is only a few dozen metres.

Features and Services

The main feature of the terminal is its intimate, club-like atmosphere. There are no queues, noise, or bustle here. The staff know many pilots personally. The waiting area resembles a cosy living room where you can have a coffee and discuss the flight plan. However, it is worth remembering that due to the military status of the facility, strict rules of conduct apply on the apron: photography of military equipment that may be in the field of view is strictly prohibited.

Transfers Between Terminals

Since the civil facility is represented by a single building, there is absolutely no need for transfers or shuttles.

Processing Times

Processes at Latina Airport are optimised for private aviation:

• Registration and Flight Plan Filing: Takes 10–15 minutes. All bureaucratic matters are resolved at the club secretariat.
• Security Check and Control: There are no classic metal detector frames or luggage scanners here, but strict passport control (ID check) is carried out at the entrance to the base territory. Military guards check the documents of everyone entering. The procedure may take from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the traffic at the checkpoint.

Navigation and Visit Recommendations

To ensure your visit runs smoothly, follow these tips:

• Always carry your passport or identity card (ID card). Without documents, you will not be allowed even into the Aeroclub car park, as you are crossing the perimeter of a military facility.
• Do not deviate from the "Checkpoint – Aeroclub Parking – Aeroclub Building" route. Any walks towards the Air Force hangars may lead to detention by security.
• Arrive at the airfield 30–40 minutes before the planned departure. This time is more than enough for document checks at the entrance, communication with the dispatcher, and aircraft preparation.

The history of Latina Airport is inextricably linked with the emergence of the city itself, which was founded in the 1930s as a result of the massive reclamation of the Pontine Marshes. The airfield was officially opened on 28 March 1938 under the name "Casale dei Pini" (Farm of the Pines). A year later, it was named after Enrico Comani — an outstanding Italian aviator awarded the Gold Medal for Aeronautical Valour, who died while attempting to set a flight distance record.

Key Stages of Development and War Years

Initially, the airfield was conceived as a base for transport aviation and the "School of Flight without Visibility" (Scuola di Volo Senza Visibilità), which was an innovation for that time. During World War II, the airport had strategic importance, due to which it suffered serious damage during the bombings of 1943. The infrastructure was practically destroyed, and only after the end of the conflict did the long process of restoration begin.

A key moment in the modern history of the airport occurred in 1955, when a primary flight training school was formed here. From that moment, Latina became the main "classroom" for Italian military pilots. In 1961, the school was transformed into the famous 70th Wing (70° Stormo), which is based here to this day.

Modernisation and Equipment

Over the decades, Latina Airport has seen the evolution of training aviation. While in the post-war years cadets flew American T-6 Texans, they were later replaced by Italian developments. In 1976, the legendary SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 aircraft entered service. This light and manoeuvrable aircraft became the symbol of the airport.

Significant modernisation took place in 2005, when the aircraft fleet was updated to the SF-260EA version with modern avionics, and the runways and training buildings underwent major repairs to meet the standards of the digital age.

Records and Achievements

Latina Airport can rightfully be considered a training ground for talent. During the existence of the 70th Wing, more than 15,000 pilots have passed selection and received their first "wings" here. Among the graduates of the Latina flight school are not only military aces but also world-renowned astronauts, such as Maurizio Cheli, Luca Parmitano, and Samantha Cristoforetti. It was here that they made their first solo flights before heading into space.

Interesting Historical Facts:

• Architectural Heritage: The administrative buildings and the airport entrance group are a vivid example of Italian Rationalism of the 1930s. Unlike many other bases, the original historical appearance of the structures has been preserved here, despite post-war reconstruction.
• Cinematic Location: Thanks to its colourful appearance and proximity to Rome ("Cinecittà"), the airfield has repeatedly become a filming location for Italian films about war and aviation.
• Coat of Arms with History: The emblem of the 70th Wing based at the airport depicts the "Lion of Saint Mark". This is a tribute to one of the squadrons of the First World War, whose traditions are continued by the school in Latina.

Infrastructure and service at Latina Airport (QLT) differ significantly from the standards of large passenger terminals. Since the airport functions as an Air Force base and a private aviation centre, there are no familiar Duty Free zones, food courts, or mass waiting halls here. Services are oriented towards a personalised approach and the basic needs of pilots and their guests. All amenities available to civilians are concentrated in the Latina Aeroclub building.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

Inside the Aeroclub building, a cosy café-bar operates. This place serves as the centre of social life at the airfield: here you can order classic Italian coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals on the premises, but the café staff can always recommend the best dining establishments in the immediate vicinity. Shops, including souvenir stalls and duty-free outlets, are absent at the airport.

Waiting Lounges and Connectivity

There are no specialised VIP halls or business lounges (like Priority Pass) here. The role of the waiting area is performed by the general hall of the Aeroclub, decorated in an aviation style. This is a comfortable space with soft furnishings, where a calm club atmosphere prevails.

• Wi-Fi: Visitors are provided with access to wireless internet in the club premises. The password can be obtained at the reception desk.
• Charging Stations: Separate stands for charging gadgets are not provided, but a sufficient number of standard power outlets are available in the rest area.

Financial and Medical Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points on the airfield territory. Travellers are strongly advised to carry cash in Euros for small expenses at the café or for taxis. The nearest bank branches are located in the Latina Scalo railway station area (about 2 km away). Medical services for civilians are limited to a first aid kit at the reception; in serious cases, the city ambulance service is called.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers

• Passengers with Children: Special play areas or mother-and-child rooms are absent. The airport is compact, so long waits are rare here. Staff are welcoming to young travellers and ready to assist on an individual basis.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The single-storey Aeroclub building ensures a barrier-free environment: there are no stairs or lifts, which simplifies movement for wheelchair users. Exit for boarding is carried out directly from the building threshold; the distance to the aircraft is minimal.

Business Services

For pilots and business travellers, a Briefing Room is available, equipped with tables for working with maps and flight planning. This room can also be used for short business meetings or negotiations in a private setting. There are no large conference halls on the base.

Hotels Near the Airport

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, as it is a restricted facility. However, the convenient location near the highway and the station allows for quick access to accommodation:

• Within a 2–3 km radius: In the Latina Scalo area, there are small hotels and guest houses (B&Bs), convenient for those needing an overnight stay near the station.
• Historic Hotels: A 5-minute drive along the Appian Way is the Foro Appio Mansio hotel — a historic complex with a restaurant and pool, popular among visitors to the region.
• Latina Centre (9–10 km): The main choice of large hotels, such as Hotel Europa or Park Hotel, is concentrated within the city limits.

Dining options at Latina Airport (QLT) are entirely dictated by its specific nature: it is a military base and aeroclub, not a commercial passenger hub. Here you will not encounter chain restaurants, food courts, or 24-hour coffee shops familiar to large airports. The entire catering system here is built on a club principle — "for our own" — creating a particularly cosy atmosphere.

Dining on Airport Territory

The only dining point directly at the airfield is the Aeroclub Bar (Bar dell'Aeroclub). It is located in the main administrative building of the civil zone. This is not just a place for a snack, but a true social hub where pilots discuss flights and instructors rest between sorties.

• Assortment: The menu here is basic but high quality. The main focus is on beverages (excellent espresso, cappuccino, soft drinks) and light snacks. In the morning, fresh pastries (cornetto) are served here, and at lunchtime, you can order panini (sandwiches) with cheese, cold cuts, or salami, as well as ready-made packaged snacks.
• Location: Aeroclub building, general hall (accessible immediately after passing through the base checkpoint). There is no separation into "clean" and "dirty" zones regarding food here.
• Opening Hours: The establishment is usually open during Aeroclub activity hours, typically from 09:00 until sunset (approximately until 17:00–19:00 depending on the season). On Mondays (the usual day off for aeroclubs in Italy), the café may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule.
• Prices: Very affordable. Coffee costs about 1–1.5 Euros, a sandwich — 3–5 Euros.

Where to Have a Full Meal: Surroundings

If you wish to have a full lunch or dinner, you will have to leave the airfield territory. Fortunately, the Latina Scalo area is just 1–2 km from the base gates and offers excellent options for authentic cuisine of the Lazio region.

Food Recommendations (What to Try):

The Agro-Pontino region is famous for its farm products. In local trattorias, look for:

• Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP: Latina is one of the main centres for buffalo mozzarella production. It is incredibly fresh and tender here.
• Tiella di Gaeta: If you find it in bakeries — this is a covered pie with seafood (usually octopus) or vegetables, typical for the coast of this province.
• Pasta alla Carbonara or Amatriciana: Classics of Roman cuisine, prepared superbly in this region.

Types of Establishments Nearby (Latina Scalo):

Within a 5–10 minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk from the airfield, you can find:

• For a quick snack: Pizzerias in the Pizza al Taglio format (pizza by the slice). This is an ideal option for a budget-friendly and filling lunch. Price per portion — from 2 to 4 Euros.
• For a full lunch: Family trattorias and osterias. They serve homemade pasta and meat dishes. The average bill will be 15–25 Euros per person. Please note the opening hours: most kitchens close for a break (siesta) from 15:00 to 19:00.

Special and Dietary Food

Given the small size of the café at the airport itself, the choice of special food there is extremely limited:

• Vegetarians: In the Aeroclub café, you can always find a sandwich with mozzarella and tomatoes (Caprese) or simple pastries.
• Vegans: The choice is difficult and may be limited to packaged snacks, nuts, or fruit (if available).
• Gluten-free: Specialised products are usually not available in the airport café. It is recommended to bring snacks with you.
• Halal: Certified halal products are not available on the base territory.

In the restaurants of Latina city and the Latina Scalo area, the situation is better: Italian cuisine is rich in vegetable dishes, and staff are usually willing to accommodate requests to exclude certain ingredients.

Since Latina Airport (QLT) is a base for private and training aviation, rather than a standard commercial hub, the rules of conduct and advice here differ significantly from familiar international airports. There are no long queues for check-in or strict restrictions on carrying liquids, however, specific requirements of a military facility apply.

Arrival Time Recommendations

Unlike large hubs where you need to arrive 2–3 hours in advance, everything happens much faster in Latina. For a private departure or training flight, it is sufficient to arrive at the airfield 30–40 minutes before the scheduled start time. This time is enough to pass control at the checkpoint, get to the Aeroclub building, discuss details with the instructor or pilot, and prepare the aircraft.

Registration and Security Features

The main security nuance in Latina is the access control regime. The airport is located on the territory of an active military unit of the Italian Air Force's 70th Wing.

• Documents: A passport or identity card (ID card) must be kept at hand even before approaching the barrier. Military guards check documents for every person in the vehicle. You will not be allowed through without the original document.
• Screening: There are no classic metal detector frames or scanners here. Screening of personal belongings is conducted selectively or at the discretion of the private aircraft commander.
• Photography: Be extremely careful with the use of cameras and phones. Filming military facilities, hangars, and Air Force equipment is strictly prohibited. You may only take photos against the background of civilian Aeroclub aircraft and only with staff permission.

Tips on Choosing a Seat in the Plane

In light aviation (aircraft such as Cessna, Piper, Tecnam), the concept of "seat selection" is dictated not by comfort, but by the aircraft's centre of gravity.

• If you are flying as a passenger on a private flight, the pilot will assign you a seat (in the front next to them or in the back) based on your weight and the aircraft's balance.
• For the best view and experience (especially when flying over the Tyrrhenian coast or mountains), it is better to sit in the front seat, if permitted by the pilot. From there, a panoramic view opens up that is unavailable in large airliners.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

Forget about strict "100 ml liquid" rules or standard suitcase dimensions.

• Type of Bags: For flights on light aircraft, it is strongly recommended to use soft sports bags or backpacks. Rigid suitcases on wheels often physically do not fit into the compact luggage compartments of light aircraft.
• Weight: Every kilogram matters. Check the allowable baggage weight with the pilot in advance. Overloading in light aviation is unacceptable for safety reasons.
• Prohibited Items: Although screening is more lenient than in large airports, explosives, flammable liquids, and dangerous items are prohibited.

Recommendations for Passengers with Connections

Latina Airport is not designed for transit flights. If you arrived here by private plane and plan to continue your journey by regular airlines, you need to get to Rome.

• The nearest major hubs are Ciampino Airport (CIA) or Fiumichino (FCO).
• The most reliable connection method is the train. Latina Scalo station is 2 km from the airfield. Trains to Termini Station in Rome run frequently, and you will avoid unpredictable traffic jams entering the capital. Allow at least 2.5–3 hours for the transfer to Roman airports.

Customs Control Features

Most flights from Latina are carried out within Italy or the Schengen zone. Customs control here is virtually non-existent for domestic flights. If a flight to a non-Schengen country is planned, the police must be notified in advance (at least 24–48 hours) through the Aeroclub administration so that border service officers can arrive at the airfield to process documents.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Transport: Do not spend money on an expensive taxi from Rome (which can cost over 150 Euros). The regional train to Latina Scalo station costs only about 4–5 Euros and takes 35–45 minutes. From the station to the aeroclub, you can take a local taxi for 10–15 Euros.
• Dining: Prices in the Aeroclub café are significantly lower than in the city. Coffee and a snack here will cost less than in any café on the highway. Carry small cash, as payment terminals may not work.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

In light aviation, delays are most often related to weather conditions. Light aircraft are more sensitive to wind and visibility than large airliners.

• If the flight is postponed due to weather, do not insist on flying — it is a matter of your life.
• Use the waiting time productively: a friendly atmosphere prevails in the Aeroclub, where you can chat with pilots, learn many interesting things about aviation, or simply relax in the lounge with a book.
• Compensation for delays (as in commercial airlines under EU Regulation 261/2004) is not provided in private aviation, unless otherwise specified in your aircraft rental agreement.