Falcone-Borsellino Airport

Falcone-Borsellino Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to sunny Sicily, where the journey begins with breathtaking views. Upon approach, passengers often find themselves glued to the windows: the runway is nestled between the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the majestic cliffs of Mount Montagna Longa. Named after national heroes and anti-mafia magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, this airport combines dramatic history, southern charm, and modern comfort.

The terminal is located in the Punta Raisi area and serves the entire north of the island, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the regional capital and its surroundings. Despite heavy passenger traffic, the airport maintains clear navigation and a cosy atmosphere, offering guests a first taste of famous Sicilian desserts even before they step out into the city.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Palermo Airport stands out among many European hubs due to its unique location and convenience for independent travellers. Here are a few reasons why arriving here leaves a pleasant impression:

• Scenic Location: The airport is situated right on the sea coast. While waiting for departure, you can admire the sea horizon, and take-offs and landings here are considered some of the most beautiful in Italy due to the contrast between the mountains and the water.
• Transport Accessibility: The Punta Raisi railway station is located directly in the basement level of the terminal. Fast "Trinacria Express" trains run regularly to Palermo Central Station, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and reach the city in under an hour.
• Compact and Clear: Despite its international status, the terminal consists of one main building. It is difficult to get lost here: arrival and departure zones are logically arranged, and distances to gates are short.
• Sicilian Atmosphere: Inside the terminal, there are cafés and shops where you can buy fresh cannoli, cassata, or local souvenirs if you didn't manage to do so during your holiday.
• Free Wi-Fi: The "PMO Free Wi-Fi" network operates throughout the territory, allowing you to stay connected without time limits.

If you need to contact representatives of Falcone-Borsellino Airport to clarify information about flights, services, or in case of unforeseen situations, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.gesap.it — here you will find the most up-to-date information on the schedule, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Service Phone: +39 091 7020273 (Call Center). Operators are ready to answer your questions regarding flights and terminal operations.
• Airport Address: Località Punta Raisi, 90145 Cinisi PA, Italy.
• Email for General Inquiries: info@gesap.it.
• Social Media: You can follow news and operational updates on the airport's official pages on popular social networks, such as Facebook.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost personal items within the airport, contact the Lost & Found service by phone at +39 091 7020265 or via email at ufficioggettismarriti@gesap.it. Important: in case of lost checked baggage, you should contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations and assistance with general questions, it is recommended to use the main airport information phone number.

You can get to Falcone-Borsellino Airport, located approximately 35 km from the centre of Palermo, in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your trip, please note that travel time may vary depending on the traffic situation.

Public Transport

This is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach the airport. You have two main options:

• Shuttle Bus: The company Prestia e Comandè operates regular services between Palermo Central Railway Station (Stazione Centrale), Piazza Politeama, and the airport. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes depending on traffic. The ticket price is around 6-7 Euros. This is a reliable and convenient option.
• Train: The train service called Trinacria Express connects Palermo Centrale railway station with the airport (Punta Raisi station). Trains run less frequently than buses, approximately once an hour, and the travel time is between 50 and 70 minutes. The ticket cost is comparable to the bus — about 6 Euros. The train is an excellent choice to avoid city traffic jams during peak hours.

Taxi and Transfers

For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the best solution. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 30-45 minutes. In Italy, fixed fares often apply for trips to the airport; for Palermo, the cost is usually 45-55 Euros. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey or ensure the taximeter is switched on. Shared taxi services are also popular, where you share the car with other passengers, significantly reducing the cost — to approximately 10 Euros per person.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to travel actively around Sicily, renting a car is a great idea. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at Falcone-Borsellino Airport. The road from central Palermo to the airport runs along the A29 motorway and is well signposted. For those driving to the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking lots are provided — both for short-term stops and long-term storage. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance, especially during the high season, to get a better rate.

Palermo Airport, known as Falcone-Borsellino, is distinguished by its compactness and clear organisation, making it convenient for passengers. All operations with travellers are concentrated in one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about long transfers or searching for the right building.

The structure of the terminal is logical and intuitive. It is divided into several levels:

• Ground Floor (Piano Terra): This is the Arrivals area. You arrive here after claiming your luggage. Located here are the car rental desks, tourist information offices, as well as exits to bus stops and the taxi rank.
• First Floor (Primo Piano): The Departures area is located here. This level houses the check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After completing check-in, you proceed to the pre-flight security check.
• Second Floor (Secondo Piano): This level houses airline offices and airport administrative services.

Navigation through the terminal is straightforward. Signs are in Italian and English, and the small size of the building allows for quick orientation. The departure zone after security control offers a standard set of services: Duty-Free shops, souvenir stalls, and several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite while waiting for your flight. The arrival zone has fewer services, but everything necessary to start your journey in Sicily is close at hand.

Regarding timing, you should allocate standard time for check-in and security control at Palermo airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. During the peak tourist season (from June to September), queues are possible, so it is better to arrive with a little extra time to avoid unnecessary stress.

The history of Palermo Airport, known today as Falcone-Borsellino, began relatively recently. It was opened in 1960 under the name Punta Raisi Airport (Aeroporto di Punta Raisi) due to its location on the cape of the same name. The new complex was built to replace the old Boccadifalco airport, which proved incapable of accommodating modern jet aircraft due to a short runway and mountainous surroundings that made flights unsafe.

A key and tragic event that defined the modern name and spirit of the airport occurred in 1992. In memory of judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who dedicated their lives to fighting the mafia and were killed in that same year, the airport was officially renamed. Today, a memorial plaque with their portraits welcomes and bids farewell to passengers, reminding everyone of the importance of justice and the law. This act became a symbolic gesture for all of Italy.

Since its opening, the airport has constantly developed. Significant reconstruction and expansion took place ahead of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Italy. In 1995, a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was opened, capable of serving the growing flow of tourists. In subsequent decades, work was carried out to modernise runways, navigation equipment, and infrastructure to improve service quality and flight safety.

Interesting fact: the choice of the construction site on the coast was not accidental. The flat terrain and open sea provided ideal conditions for the take-off and landing of large aircraft, which was the main drawback of its predecessor. Today, Falcone-Borsellino Airport is not just an important transport hub for Sicily, but also a symbol of resilience and hope, serving millions of travellers from all over the world annually.

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) offers travellers all necessary amenities to ensure waiting for a flight is as comfortable as possible. Here you can find both places for rest and services for solving practical tasks.

For those feeling hungry, several restaurants and cafés operate in the terminal, where you can experience Sicilian cuisine or simply enjoy a cup of espresso with fresh pastries. Extensive shopping opportunities are provided by the Duty Free zone, as well as other shops offering souvenirs, local delicacies, clothing, and accessories.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the Gesap VIP Lounge. It offers a private atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and newspapers. This is an excellent place to relax or work in a quiet environment.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs, bank branches, and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal. In case of need, a First Aid point operates around the clock in the terminal.

Rooms for mothers and children are equipped for passengers travelling with little ones. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: the special "Sala Amica" lounge operates for them, and assistance services are provided.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services are available, which can be booked in advance or utilised in the VIP lounge.

At Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, travellers will find a decent selection of establishments where they can have a snack or a full lunch, enjoying the tastes of Sicilian cuisine one last time. The main dining points are concentrated both in the public area before security control and in the secure departures area.

In the Arrivals area and the public part of the Departures hall (before control), you will find several cafés and bars. This is a great place to drink a cup of authentic Italian espresso with a croissant (`cornetto`) or eat fresh pastries while seeing off loved ones. Prices here are usually slightly lower than in the departures area, and the atmosphere is calmer. This is an ideal option for a leisurely coffee or a light snack.

After passing security control in the Departures area, the choice becomes wider. Main restaurants and self-service establishments are located here. Passengers can choose between a full lunch in a restaurant offering classic dishes of Italy, or a quick snack in one of the numerous cafés. Most establishments are open from early morning until the departure of the last flight, so you won't go hungry at any time.

Being in Sicily, even at the airport, it is worth trying local gastronomic hits. Pay attention to arancini (rice balls with filling) — this is a hearty and convenient option for a quick snack. For a more substantial meal, you can order a portion of pasta or authentic Sicilian pizza. And, of course, do not miss the chance to eat famous cannoli for dessert — crispy pastry tubes with sweet ricotta cream.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will find it easy to find suitable dishes, for example, pasta with vegetables or "Margherita" pizza. Gluten-free and vegan options may be more difficult to find, but their availability should be checked at specific establishments. On average, prices at the airport are higher than in the city: you will pay about 5-7 Euros for a cappuccino and pastry, while a full lunch will cost 15-25 Euros per person.

Planning is the key to a calm start and end to your journey. To ensure your time at Falcone-Borsellino Airport goes smoothly, use these practical tips to help save time, stress, and money during your trip to Palermo.

To avoid unnecessary rushing, especially during the peak tourist season (from June to September), arrive at the airport well in advance. We recommend arriving 2.5-3 hours before international flights and at least 2 hours before flights within Italy and the Schengen zone. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without stress.

To save time, it is highly recommended to complete online check-in for your flight. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security. During security control, be ready to remove laptops, tablets, and containers with liquids from your hand luggage in advance.

Want to enjoy a beautiful view one last time? When departing from Palermo, try to get a window seat on the right side of the aircraft (seats with the letter F). With a favourable take-off path, a panorama of the coast and the famous Mount Pellegrino will open up to you.

Standard international rules apply to hand luggage: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Remember this if you plan to take gastronomic souvenirs with you: bottles of olive oil, sauces, or beverages like limoncello must be placed in checked baggage.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. When flying outside the Schengen zone, allow extra time for passport control. Customs checks for personal items are usually random.

To save a little money, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it with water at drinking fountains after the security zone. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city, so you can bring a light snack with you. The most budget-friendly way to get to the city is the shuttle bus, which is significantly cheaper than a taxi.

In case of a flight delay, first of all, monitor the information on the departure boards and announcements over the PA system. Contact your airline's counter to get up-to-date information, as well as possible vouchers for food or drinks if the delay is significant. There are several cafés and shops in the terminal that will help pass the waiting time.