Pontecagnano

Imagine that your journey along the legendary Amalfi Coast begins not with a long transfer, but almost immediately after landing. Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, like a hidden gem of the Campania region, offers tourists a unique opportunity to bypass the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs. This recently renovated air gateway opens the shortest route to the turquoise waters and picturesque cliffs of the Italian south, promising an easy and inspiring start to your holiday.

The main feature of Pontecagnano Airport is its strategic location. It is situated much closer to the popular resorts of Amalfi, Paestum, and the Cilento National Park than the larger airport in Naples. This allows travellers to save precious hours on the road and immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere much faster.

Following a massive reconstruction and full opening for commercial flights in 2024, the airport offers modern infrastructure. The renovated runway and terminal ensure a high level of safety and comfort while maintaining the cosy atmosphere of a small regional harbour.

Another undoubted advantage is the speed of service. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal and the absence of huge crowds typical of metropolises, check-in, baggage drop-off, and security control procedures take mere minutes here. This is an ideal choice for those who value their time and peace of mind.

The scenic nature of the flight is also worth noting. The approach to Salerno often passes over the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, revealing breathtaking views of the bay and mountains to passengers even before touching the ground, making the arrival here a truly memorable event.

• Official Website: www.aeroportosalerno.it
• Inquiry Phone: +39 0828 354311
• Address: Via Olmo, snc, 84090 Bellizzi SA, Italy
• Email: info@aeroportosalerno.it
• Social Media: Follow the latest news and airport updates on the official pages on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, it is recommended to immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or the handling agent representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information, assistance, and consultations, you can contact the airport help desk at the phone number listed above.

Salerno Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) is located approximately 20 kilometres south of the centre of Salerno, making it a convenient gateway for travel along the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento region in Italy. There are several ways to get to or from the airport to the city, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public transport is the most economical option. The main method is the bus, which connects the airport with Salerno Central Railway Station. The journey usually takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance, as the frequency of trips may change. Although there is no direct rail link to the terminal, the nearest station, Pontecagnano, is a few kilometres away. From there, you can reach the airport by local bus or taxi, making this option less convenient.

For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi or private transfer is the ideal choice. The trip from the centre of Salerno to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes. The cost of a taxi will be significantly higher than a bus, but it is the most direct and fastest way to reach your destination. To avoid misunderstandings, it is better to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure the meter is switched on. A pre-booked transfer can guarantee a fixed cost and a meet-and-greet by the driver in the arrivals hall.

Car rental is an excellent option for travellers planning to explore the picturesque surroundings, including the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park. Offices of major rental companies are typically present at the airport. Having your own car gives maximum freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, parking is provided, offering both short-term and long-term vehicle placement options.

It is also worth considering that for a wider selection of international flights, many travellers use the larger Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), which is about an hour's drive from Salerno. Other alternative airports in the region are Gino Lisa in Foggia and Palese Airport in Bari.

Salerno Pontecagnano Airport (QSR), also known as Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, is a small and modern regional airport. Its main advantage is compactness and simplicity, making it particularly convenient for tourists who do not wish to waste time on complex navigation in large aviation hubs.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location. The terminal layout is intuitive: upon entry, you immediately see the check-in counters, followed by the security control zone.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located within the same building. After passing security screening, passengers enter a small but cosy departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the terminal and includes a baggage claim belt and car rental desks. All signs are clear and highly visible, eliminating the possibility of getting lost.

One of the key advantages of Pontecagnano Airport is the rapid completion of all procedures. Due to low passenger traffic, flight check-in and screening take significantly less time than in major airports. As a rule, arriving 1.5–2 hours before an international flight is more than sufficient. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to follow the instructions of your airline.

The history of Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport (Aeroporto di Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi), also known as Pontecagnano, is rooted in its military past. It was founded in 1926 as a military airfield and flight school for the Royal Italian Air Force. For decades, it served as a training base for pilots and performed important strategic functions.

A key moment in the airport's history was the events of World War II. In September 1943, during the Allied landings in Salerno (Operation Avalanche), the airfield became the scene of fierce fighting. After its capture, it was actively used by the US and UK Air Forces, becoming an important bridgehead for the further advance of troops across Italy.

After the war, the airport returned to its role as a flight school and also became a base for the Carabinieri and fire services. In 1962, the Salerno Aeroclub was founded here, marking the beginning of the development of civil aviation. However, for many years its commercial potential remained undiscovered, and it mainly served private and charter flights.

A new era for the airport began in the 21st century. Steps were taken to modernize it to receive commercial flights. A real breakthrough occurred in recent years when a massive reconstruction project was launched. It includes the construction of a completely new passenger terminal, a significant extension of the runway to 2,200 metres, and the renewal of all infrastructure. The goal of this modernization is to turn the airport into a full-fledged international gateway capable of serving millions of tourists heading to the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento region.

Interesting fact: despite its strategic location, the airport remained in the shadow of its larger neighbour in Naples for decades. Today's reconstruction is not just an update, but a complete rebirth, which should forever change the tourism map of southern Italy, making travel to this picturesque region significantly easier and more convenient.

Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR), also known as Pontecagnano Airport, is a compact regional aviation hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey. Despite its size, the airport is well-equipped to meet basic tourist needs. Here you will find cosy cafés where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack before your flight. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, and local products.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. Charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the waiting lounges. The airport also has ATMs for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange points will help you acquire Euros upon arrival, although it is often recommended to compare rates with offers in the city for the best value.

Pontecagnano Airport cares for all categories of travellers. Special assistance is provided for passengers with reduced mobility (it is recommended to book the service in advance through the airline), and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. Families with small children can use the nursery rooms for changing and feeding. In case of necessity, a first aid point operates at the airport.

Currently, specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport may be limited, so it is worth checking their availability with your airline. The same applies to conference rooms and business centres. If you need to stay overnight near the airport, you will find many accommodation options in nearby towns such as Pontecagnano and Salerno, offering hotels for every taste and budget.

Salerno Pontecagnano Airport (Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport), being a compact regional airport, offers basic but convenient options for a snack before departure or upon arrival. The choice of establishments here is focused on speed of service and popular Italian snacks rather than fine dining.

Generally, the main food outlets are located in the main terminal. In the public area (landside), before passing security control, a café usually operates. Here you can leisurely drink coffee with those seeing you off or have a snack immediately upon arrival. In the departure zone (airside), after screening, there is also a food point offering snacks and drinks for passengers awaiting their flight. The opening hours of these establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last.

What is worth trying? Pay attention to the classics of Italian cafés: aromatic espresso or cappuccino with fresh pastries, for example, with a cornetto (Italian croissant). For a more substantial snack, freshly prepared panini with various fillings, such as mozzarella and tomatoes, are perfect. Packed sandwiches, salads, and snacks are also suitable for a quick option. Prices at the airport are typically slightly higher than in the city.

It is worth noting that the selection for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals) may be very limited. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with staff in advance or rely on fruits and packaged products with appropriate labelling. If you have a strict diet, it would be safer to bring a snack with you.

Travelling through Salerno Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) can be a pleasant start or end to your holiday in Italy, especially if you prepare in advance. Here are a few useful tips to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. During peak tourist season, it is better to add a little extra time as a buffer. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone in advance.

Passing Security Control. Prepare for screening in advance: pack all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in one transparent resealable bag. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics must be removed from your bag into a separate tray. Following these simple rules will significantly speed up the process.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance to avoid extra charges at the airport. Sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited in hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that window seats will offer you stunning views of the Amalfi Coast during take-off or landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement.

Transfer Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. When arriving from countries outside the Schengen area, you will have to pass through customs control. Follow the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare, or the Red Channel if you have goods subject to declaration.

Economy and Flight Delays. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information. Remember your rights as air passengers in the EU (Regulation EU261), which may provide for the provision of meals, drinks, and even accommodation depending on the length of the delay.