Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is not merely a transit hub, but the grand gateway to one of the most prestigious and picturesque resorts in the Mediterranean. The air harbour is located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, immediately immersing travellers in an atmosphere of Sardinian hospitality and relaxed luxury. The modern terminal, designed using natural stone and greenery, resembles a cosy shopping centre or hotel lobby rather than a standard airport terminal.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Olbia Airport stands out for its unique approach to passenger comfort. It features the Cortesa gallery — an area with shops and restaurants where you can not only purchase famous brands but also sample local Sardinian delicacies and specialties before your flight. The interior space is adorned with living gardens featuring typical Mediterranean vegetation, creating the sensation that you are still amidst nature.

An important part of the infrastructure is the Eccelsa Aviation private aviation terminal, considered one of the best in Europe, serving VIP guests arriving at the Emerald Coast. For active leisure enthusiasts, the Bike Point service is available, offering assistance with packing or assembling bicycles. Thanks to its compactness and proximity to major highways, the journey from the aircraft steps to the beach or hotel takes minimal time.

To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, save the contact information for Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. Below are the main contacts for communicating with airport representatives.

• Official Website: www.geasar.it — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations.
• Help Desk Phone: +39 0789 563 444. Operators will assist with general questions regarding airport operations.
• Address: Aeroporto Olbia Costa Smeralda, 07026 Olbia OT, Italy.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@geasar.it.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the relevant service. Contact details (phone and e-mail) are usually listed in the "Lost & Found" section on the official airport website.
• Social Media: The airport maintains pages on popular social networks. Links to them are always available on the main page of the official website.
• Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: To request assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance or approach the information desk upon arrival at the airport.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Olbia, making it very accessible for travellers. You can get to the terminal or from it to the city in several convenient ways, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to reach the centre of Olbia is to use the ASPO city buses. Routes No. 2 and No. 10 run between the airport and the city with intervals of approximately 15-30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes just 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. The ticket cost is around €1-€1.50. It can be purchased at newsstands and tobacco shops (Tabacchi), vending machines at the airport, or directly from the driver with a small surcharge.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal choice. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals area exit. A trip to the centre of Olbia will take about 10 minutes and cost approximately €15–€25. This is a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a small group. 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
If you plan to explore the picturesque beaches and towns of Sardinia, renting a car is the best option. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are located at Olbia Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (from June to September), to ensure the availability of the desired model at a favourable price. The drive to the city centre by car also takes no more than 10 minutes.

Airport Parking
For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking zones are provided. There are both short-term car parks for quick drop-off and pick-up of passengers, and long-term ones for those leaving their car for several days. It is best to check current rates and the parking map on the official Olbia Airport website.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it very convenient for travellers. The airport operates one main passenger terminal, which serves all domestic, international, and Schengen flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all services and zones are under one roof.

The terminal has a well-thought-out two-level layout. On the Ground Floor (Piano Terra), the arrivals area is located. Immediately after collecting baggage and passing customs control (if necessary), you enter the general hall, where car rental desks, a tourist information centre, cafes, and exits to bus stops and the taxi rank are found. This allows you to quickly resolve all organisational matters upon arrival in Sardinia.

The First Floor (Primo Piano) is entirely dedicated to the departures area. Here you will find check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After checking in, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. After security control, you enter the spacious "airside" area with Duty Free shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight. Navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and signs in Italian and English help you easily find the required boarding gate.

Regarding time, it is recommended to allow the standard 2 hours before departure to complete all formalities (check-in and screening) at Olbia Airport. During the peak season, especially in July and August, the airport can be heavily congested, so it is better to arrive a little earlier, approximately 2.5 hours in advance, to avoid rushing. During the rest of the year, procedures take significantly less time.

The history of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is inextricably linked to the transformation of northern Sardinia into one of the world's most prestigious tourist destinations. Before its appearance, the region was served by the small Venafiorita airfield, which could no longer cope with the growing flow of travellers. The decision to build a new, more modern airport complex was made in the late 1960s, and its official opening took place in 1974. The creation of the airport became a key element in the large-scale development project of the Costa Smeralda coast, initiated by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

Since its opening, the airport has constantly evolved to meet the growing demands of the tourism industry. Initially, it was a modest terminal, but over the years, passenger traffic steadily increased. This led to the need for radical modernisation. The most significant stage in the airport's history was the construction of a new terminal, which was inaugurated in 2004. This modern building, designed taking into account the local architectural style, significantly increased capacity and the level of comfort for passengers. The old terminal was repurposed to serve private and business aviation, highlighting the region's status as a favourite holiday destination for affluent travellers.

Over its years of operation, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport has set numerous records for passenger traffic, especially in the peak summer months when it becomes one of the busiest in Italy. Its infrastructure is constantly being improved: the runway has been extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and navigation equipment is regularly updated. An interesting fact: the name "Costa Smeralda" (Emerald Coast) was given not only to the coastline but also to the airport, to immediately associate it with the luxury and beauty of this unique corner of Sardinia. Today, it serves as the main transport hub for millions of tourists eager to enjoy the famous beaches and crystal-clear sea.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable and pleasant wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is well thought out to meet the needs of various categories of travellers.

For those wishing to have a snack or go shopping, there are many opportunities at the airport. Restaurants, cafes, and dining venues operate here, offering both Sardinian cuisine and international snacks. In the shops, you can purchase souvenirs, local delicacies, clothing, and, of course, goods in the Duty Free zone. This is an excellent place to buy gifts for loved ones or a keepsake of your holiday in Sardinia.

Passengers wishing to relax in a quieter atmosphere can use the services of the "Club Lounge" VIP hall. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary beverages and snacks, press, and a work area away from the noise of the main hall. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous sockets and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

Olbia Airport also features all necessary practical services. Here you can find ATMs and currency exchange points for handling financial matters. In case of feeling unwell, a first aid station is available, ready to provide qualified support.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For families with small children, there are nursery rooms with changing tables. Travellers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance (PRM service), including escort through the terminal. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline.

For business people, a business centre operates within the airport territory, with conference rooms suitable for meetings and negotiations. Although there are no hotels directly in the terminal building, many hotels to suit every taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away, easily accessible by taxi or bus.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport offers passengers a worthy selection of establishments where one can pleasantly spend time waiting for a flight. The airport's gastronomic concept focuses on the tastes of Italy and Sardinia, allowing tourists to enjoy local cuisine right up until departure.

In the public area (Landside), before passing security control, several cafes are located. This is an ideal place to drink a cup of aromatic espresso with fresh pastries if you have arrived early or are seeing off friends. Here you can find classic Italian panini and sandwiches for a quick and satisfying snack.

The main part of the establishments is located in the departure zone (Airside), after passing screening. Here the choice is much wider: from elegant lounges to full-service restaurants. For a leisurely lunch or dinner, a restaurant offering fresh seafood dishes and classics of Sardinian cuisine is perfectly suitable. If time is limited, several cafes and pizzerias are at your service, where you can order a slice of pizza, focaccia, or a salad. Many establishments have panoramic windows with a view of the runway.

While at Olbia Airport, be sure to try some of the local specialties. This could be a traditional Sardinian salad with Pecorino cheese or a dessert based on ricotta. For travellers with specific dietary needs, most cafes offer vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Information on gluten-free or vegan dishes is best clarified directly with the staff in à la carte restaurants.

The price range corresponds to the average level for European airports. A cup of cappuccino will cost about 3-5 euros, and the cost of a main course in a restaurant starts from 15-20 euros. Most food outlets open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last flight, adjusting to passenger traffic.

To ensure your journey from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself with some nuances in advance. This airport, serving a popular resort region in Italy, is particularly busy during the summer season, so advanced planning will help avoid stress and unnecessary expenses.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you enough time to check in luggage without rushing, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop (if you have any) or to security screening.

Passing Control and Hand Luggage: Standard European rules apply at security control. All liquids over 100 ml must be in checked baggage. In hand luggage, you may take containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices must be removed from your bag separately. Remember that sharp objects are prohibited in hand luggage, including souvenir tools often bought in Olbia.

Seat Selection and Passenger Tips: If you want to enjoy a farewell view of the emerald coast of Sardinia, choose a window seat. When departing towards mainland Italy, the best views typically open up from the left side of the aircraft. For passengers with connections: Olbia Airport is quite compact, so navigation will not cause difficulties. Immediately after arrival, check the information boards to find the number of your next boarding gate.

Customs Control and Savings: For travellers arriving from countries outside the EU, passing customs control may be required. Follow the signs for the "green" channel if you have nothing to declare, or the "red" channel if you are carrying goods subject to declaration. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information and clarification. There are cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time. Remember that for long delays or cancellations of flights departing from the EU, your rights are protected by EC Regulation 261, which may provide for compensation, meals, and hotel accommodation.