Trapani-Birgi Airport

Vincenzo Florio Airport (Trapani-Birgi) is not merely a transit point, but a true aerial gateway to the enchanting world of Western Sicily. Set amidst picturesque landscapes where the Marsala vineyards meet the salt pans of Trapani, this airport offers travellers a cosy and tranquil atmosphere, distinct from the hustle and bustle of major hubs. Thanks to its compact size and strategic location, it has become the ideal starting point for those dreaming of seeing ancient Erice, relaxing on the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, or setting off for the Aegadian Islands.

Airport Features and Advantages

Trapani-Birgi is a prime example of how a small airport can be maximally convenient for tourists. Its main advantage is affordability: the airport is a significant hub for low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair, allowing for flights to Sicily at very attractive prices from many European cities. There is only one terminal, making navigation intuitively simple, and security and baggage claim procedures are significantly faster than at the busier airports of Palermo or Catania.

Another important feature is transport accessibility. Despite its distance from the city centre, the airport is well-connected by bus services not only to Trapani and the port (from where ferries depart to the islands) but also to other popular destinations, including Marsala, Palermo, and Agrigento. For those travelling by car, convenient parking and car rental offices are available, making the start of your journey around the island easy and comfortable.

• Official Website: www.airgest.it
• Information Desk Phone: +39 0923 610111
• Address: Contrada Birgi, 91020 Misiliscemi TP, Italy
• Email: info@airgest.it
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official page on Facebook.
• Lost & Found Information: For luggage tracing enquiries, please contact GH Trapani service by phone at +39 0923 843232 or via e-mail: lost&found@ghtrapani.it.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger assistance, you may use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Trapani-Birgi Airport from the city centre of Trapani, Italy, is quite simple. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods: public transport, taxi, or a rented car.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to reach the airport is by using the scheduled bus service operated by AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti). Buses depart regularly from the port of Trapani and make several stops within the city. The journey takes approximately 40-45 minutes depending on traffic. The ticket price generally does not exceed a few Euros, making this option very attractive for budget travellers. We recommend checking the schedule on the carrier's website in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning, late at night, or on a weekend.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice. This is the fastest way to get to the airport — the journey will take just 20-30 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride from the city centre is usually around 30-40 Euros. Booking a private transfer can be convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a group, as the price will be fixed and known in advance.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to travel actively around Sicily, renting a car is an excellent option. You can easily drive to the airport and return the vehicle at the rental agency office right before your flight. The route from the centre of Trapani is straightforward and well-signposted. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Parking costs depend on the duration; it is best to check current rates on the airport's official website.

Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS) is a modern and compact aviation hub, structured in a way that is intuitively understandable even for those travelling in Italy for the first time. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic and international flights. This simple organisation significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to search for the correct building or move between different terminals.

The terminal layout is logical and straightforward. The building is functionally divided into several zones. On the ground floor, you will find the Arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts and the exit to the city, as well as check-in counters for flights. After check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to the security and Departures area, located on the first floor. Here you will find the boarding gates, several Duty Free shops, cafés, and waiting lounges.

Thanks to the airport's compact size, completing all pre-flight procedures generally does not take much time. Check-in and security screening are usually quick. However, during the peak tourist season (from June to September) or when several low-cost flights depart simultaneously, small queues may form. To avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before your flight's departure.

For navigation around the terminal, clear signs in Italian and English are installed everywhere. All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. Essentially, it is practically impossible to get lost in Trapani Airport, making it one of the most convenient and user-friendly regional airports in the country.

The history of Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS), officially named after Vincenzo Florio, is unique in that it is closely tied to both civil aviation and the military history of Italy. It is one of those rare cases where a major tourist hub is simultaneously a strategically important military airbase.

The airport was opened in 1961, initially as a military airfield replacing the obsolete Trapani-Milo airfield. Due to its advantageous position in the heart of the Mediterranean, it almost immediately became a key facility for the Italian Air Force and NATO forces. The 37th Wing (37° Stormo) is still based here today, underscoring its enduring military significance.

Civil flights began operating in 1964, yet for decades the airport remained quite modest, primarily handling domestic flights. A true turning point in its history occurred in the early 2000s with the arrival of budget airlines. It was then that the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair chose Trapani as its main base in Sicily, causing an explosive growth in passenger traffic.

This boom required immediate and large-scale modernisation. In 2009, a major reconstruction was completed, and a new, modern passenger terminal was opened. This allowed the airport to effectively serve millions of tourists arriving annually for holidays on the western coast of Sicily. Thus, a modest airfield transformed into one of the island's main aerial gateways.

An interesting fact: the airport bears the name of Vincenzo Florio — a prominent Sicilian entrepreneur, creator of the famous Marsala brand, and founder of the legendary Targa Florio car race. This is a tribute to a man who made a huge contribution to the development of Sicily. Today, Trapani-Birgi Airport is a vivid example of how a vital military facility and a thriving civil airport can successfully coexist.

Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and coffee spots where you can enjoy a cup of authentic Italian espresso and have a snack before flying. Shops offer both essentials and press, as well as famous Sicilian souvenirs, local delicacies, and duty-free products. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or take a piece of sunny Italy home with you.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, along with designated areas for charging electronic devices. If you wish to spend time before your flight in a more comfortable and private setting, the "Vincenzo Florio Lounge" is at your service. Here you can relax in comfortable armchairs, enjoy refreshments and snacks, read the latest press, or work in silence.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located within the terminal building, allowing you to easily resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. To ensure passenger safety and health, a medical centre is in operation, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

Trapani Airport is well-equipped to serve all categories of passengers. For travellers with reduced mobility, a special waiting room "Sala Amica" is provided, and staff assistance is available (it is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline). Families with small children can use the nursery rooms, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in nearby cities such as Trapani and Marsala, which are easily accessible by bus or taxi. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres at the airport, but the VIP lounge can serve as a convenient place for small business meetings or work.

Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS), despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers several cosy places to have a bite before departure. The main focus here is on traditional Sicilian and Italian cuisine, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of the region until the very last moment of your stay in Italy.

Dining areas in the airport are conveniently located. In the public area (landside), before security control, there is a café-bar. This is an ideal place for a quick espresso with a croissant or to share a cup of coffee with those seeing you off. The main establishments are concentrated in the departures area (airside), after passport and customs control. Here the choice is wider: from counters with refreshments and snacks to a small self-service restaurant where you can have a full lunch.

Once in Sicily, be sure to try the local gastronomic hits. In the airport cafés, you will find the famous arancini — rice balls with various fillings, which are convenient to take with you. It is also worth looking out for fresh cannoli with sweet ricotta cheese or various panini with local fillings, such as cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. For a more substantial meal in the departures area, you can order pasta or pizza.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find options, for example, panini with vegetables and cheese or pasta with tomato sauce. Finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging, so it is better to opt for universal products like salads or fruit. Prices at Trapani Airport, as in most air hubs, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within a reasonable range.

Most dining establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule — opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. For a quick snack, any of the coffee bars offering coffee and Sicilian pastries or arancini are perfect. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, head to the self-service restaurant in the departures area to enjoy a hot meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

To ensure your journey through Trapani-Birgi Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. The airport is small and quite convenient, but knowing a few nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Despite its compact size, it is better not to take risks. Arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights within Italy. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete all formalities, especially during the height of the tourist season.

Check-in and Security Control. Most airlines flying to Trapani offer online check-in — this is the fastest way to get your boarding pass. If you need to check in luggage, use the counters in the departures hall. The security screening procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage into a separate tray. Generally, queues here move quickly.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you stunning views of Sicily during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. For greater comfort, you can study the aircraft layout on specialised websites.

Hand Luggage. Standard EU rules apply here. You may carry liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website, as low-cost carriers may have strict restrictions on size and weight.

Passengers with Connections. Trapani-Birgi is not a major transit hub. If you have a connecting flight, especially with different airlines (for example, two low-cost carriers), you will likely have to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight. Carefully study the conditions of your ticket and allow sufficient time between flights.

Customs Control. For flights within the Schengen area, there is no customs control as such. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, you will need to go through the "green" or "red" channel depending on whether you have goods to declare.

Saving Time and Money. Check in for your flight online and travel light with only hand luggage to avoid waiting for baggage. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so bringing a light snack with you won't hurt.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, under EU rules, you may be provided with vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. There are several cafés and shops in the airport where you can pass the time while waiting for your flight.