Montichiari Airport

Brescia-Montichiari Airport, named after Gabriele d’Annunzio, is a unique aviation hub in Lombardy. While often overshadowed by its neighboring giants, it plays a key role in Northern Italy's logistics. Located just a short drive from the southern coast of Lake Garda, this airport is renowned for its rich history: it was here in 1909 that Italy's first air show took place, attracting global celebrities. Today, the air harbor is better known as a major cargo hub; however, it retains its status as an important alternate airfield and a convenient point for private aviation, offering travelers an atmosphere of tranquility and exceptional efficiency.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Strategic Location: The terminal is in immediate proximity to the most popular resorts of Lake Garda (Sirmione, Desenzano) and the Montichiari Exhibition Centre, making it convenient for business trips and luxury tourism.
• Hassle-free Experience: Since the main traffic consists of cargo transport and private flights, there are no long queues at security or check-in, ensuring maximum comfort.
• Historical Significance: The airport bears the name of the poet-aviator Gabriele d’Annunzio and stands on the ground where Italian aviation was born; this place is steeped in the spirit of the first flights.
• Transport Accessibility: Proximity to the A4 motorway allows for quick travel to both Milan and Venice, and parking here is traditionally more affordable and available than at major regional airports.

• Official Airport Website: www.aeroportobrescia.it
• Information Desk Phone: +39 030 9656515 (Flight and ticket information), +39 030 9656511 (Switchboard)
• Airport Address: Via Aeroporto, 34, 25018 Montichiari (BS), Italy
• Email: relest@aeroportoverona.it (Public Relations and general inquiries for the Garda Airports Group)
• Airport Social Media: Official pages are available on Facebook and Instagram (search for Brescia Airport / Aeroporto di Brescia)
• Lost Luggage Information: +39 030 9656515 (Baggage tracing service)
• Passenger Support Contacts: +39 030 9656515 (General inquiries); passengers with reduced mobility are advised to contact the airline in advance or call the general number.

When planning a trip to Montichiari Airport (Aeroporto di Brescia-Montichiari), it is important to consider that this aviation hub is located in the province of Brescia, approximately 50–60 kilometers from the center of Verona. Since the airport primarily serves charter flights and private aviation, regular public transport connections are less developed here than in major hubs. However, you can reach the airport in several ways by choosing the option most convenient for you.

By Car

The most convenient and reliable way to get to the airport is by private or rental car. The airport is strategically located near the A4 motorway (Milan — Venice). If you are driving from Verona:

• Follow the A4 motorway towards Milan.
• Take the Brescia Est (Brescia East) exit.
• Then follow the signs for "Aeroporto," which will lead you directly to the terminal via the local road (Tangenziale Est).

Travel time from the center of Verona is about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. From the center of Brescia, the journey takes just 15–20 minutes.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For those who value comfort, booking a taxi or transfer is the optimal solution. It is recommended to book a car in advance, as available taxis do not always wait at the terminal due to the irregularity of flights.

• Cost: A trip from the center of Verona will cost approximately 90–120 EUR. From the city of Brescia, the price will be significantly lower — about 30–40 EUR.
• Travel Time: Identical to traveling by car (40–50 minutes from Verona).

Public Transport (Train + Bus)

There is no direct rail connection or metro to Montichiari Airport. The optimal route involves a combination of train and bus:

1. Train: First, you need to reach the railway station in Brescia (Stazione di Brescia). Trains from Verona (Verona Porta Nuova) run regularly, and the journey takes 35–45 minutes.
2. Bus: From Brescia station, you can reach the airport by shuttle (schedules are tied to specific flights, please check in advance) or by taxi. There are also regional buses going to the Montichiari Exhibition Centre (Centro Fiera), from where a short taxi ride remains to reach the airport.

This option is the most budget-friendly but requires careful planning of connections.

Airport Parking

Montichiari Airport offers convenient and generally available parking located directly in front of the terminal. There is no complex zone system here: the parking is open 24 hours a day. Rates are traditionally more democratic than at neighboring major airports, making it an excellent place for long-term vehicle parking.

Alternative Regional Airports

If you find that your flight does not arrive at Montichiari, or you are looking for more convenient flight options to this region, consider neighboring aviation hubs that serve significantly more scheduled flights:

• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) — the main airport of Verona, located just 12 km from the city center. This is the primary choice for tourists heading to the city of Romeo and Juliet.
• Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) — a major low-cost hub located in Bergamo (about 56 km from Montichiari).
• Milan Linate Airport (LIN) — a convenient airport for Milan, located approximately 80 km away.
• Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) in Bologna — an important transport hub for the Emilia-Romagna region.
• Lugano Airport (LUG) — located in Switzerland, but also accessible for travelers touring Northern Italy.

Brescia-Montichiari Airport (VBS) is characterized by extreme compactness and simplicity of layout, which is its main advantage over the congested hubs of neighboring cities. All passenger infrastructure is concentrated in one small building, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

Terminal Structure

The airport has one passenger terminal. The building has a linear structure and generally handles all processes on a single level (ground floor), sparing travelers the need to use elevators or escalators with heavy luggage.

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the terminal entrance. Check-in counters are in the central hall, and their number is small, corresponding to the low passenger flow.
• Departure Zone: After check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to security control located nearby. The "sterile area" includes a small waiting lounge and boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone: Located in the same building but has a separate exit. Passport control booths (for non-Schengen flights) and a baggage claim belt are located here.

Features and Navigation

It is practically impossible to get lost at Montichiari Airport. Since it is a single terminal without a complex system of walkways and satellites, the entire path from the entrance to the aircraft seat is a straight line.

• Transfers between terminals: Non-existent, as there is only one terminal.
• Infrastructure: A basic set of services is available inside the terminal: a small café-bar, restrooms, and a waiting area. Please note that due to the airport's specific focus (cargo transport), there is no extensive Duty Free area or variety of restaurants, so it is better to stock up on snacks in advance if your flight is delayed.
• For passengers with reduced mobility: The single-level layout and compactness make this airport one of the most convenient for people with disabilities.

Processing Times

The absence of a large number of scheduled flights creates an atmosphere of tranquility. Crowds typical of major airports are rare here.

• Check-in and Security: Usually take minimum time. Queues for security screening are generally non-existent or move very quickly.
• Time Recommendations: Despite the lack of queues, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially if you are flying on an international charter flight, to complete all formalities calmly.

Navigation Recommendations

Since information boards and signs are located in prominent places, simply follow the "Partenze / Departures" signs upon entry. If you are meeting passengers, look for "Arrivi / Arrivals" signs. Parking is within walking distance of the terminal entrance, allowing you to move belongings from the car to the check-in counter in just a couple of minutes.

The history of Brescia-Montichiari Airport is a fascinating tale of how a military airfield transformed into a modern cargo hub, but its roots go much deeper, to the very origins of global aviation. Unlike many other air harbors built from scratch in open fields, the land of Montichiari remembers the roar of engines from the very first airplanes in human history.

Birth of a Legend: 1909

The official starting point in the history of this place is considered to be September 1909. It was then that a grandiose event took place here — the first international air show in Italy (Circuito Aereo di Brescia). It was not just entertainment, but a historical milestone. The competition was attended by Wilbur Wright himself (one of the Wright brothers), who demonstrated his biplanes, as well as the legendary pilot Glenn Curtiss. This event forever cemented Montichiari's status as the cradle of Italian aviation.

Era of Change and Modernization

For most of the 20th century, the territory was used for military purposes, serving as a base for the Italian Air Force and NATO. The situation changed radically in the late 1990s when the need arose to relieve neighboring airports and develop civil aviation in the region.

• 1999: A landmark year for the modern airport. After extensive reconstruction and the construction of a new passenger terminal, the airport was grandly opened for civil flights.
• Early 2000s: The heyday of passenger transport. The airport became a base for the low-cost carrier Ryanair, which operated flights from here to London (Stansted) and Cagliari, attracting thousands of tourists with affordable tickets.
• Shift in Focus: Over time, the development strategy changed. Due to the proximity of larger airports in Verona and Bergamo, Montichiari repurposed itself as a cargo hub and postal transport center, while retaining capabilities for charter and private aviation.

Interesting Historical Facts

Montichiari Airport holds many stories linking it to great names in culture and science:

• Literary Trace: The famous writer Franz Kafka was present in the crowd of spectators at that very air show in 1909. Impressed by what he saw, he wrote the essay "The Aeroplanes at Brescia," which became one of the first literary descriptions of aviation.
• Music and Sky: Among the guests of honor at the first flights was the great composer Giacomo Puccini, who watched the conquest of the sky with delight.
• Poet's Name: The airport bears the name of Gabriele d’Annunzio — a famous Italian poet, writer, and importantly, a fearless aviator during World War I who lived nearby on Lake Garda.
• First Italian Pilot: It was here in Montichiari that Mario Calderara learned to fly — the first Italian to receive a pilot's license. His teacher was Wilbur Wright himself.

Today, watching modern cargo Boeings take off from the Montichiari runway, it is hard to imagine that just over a century ago, fragile wooden structures ascended into the sky here, opening the era of aviation for all of Italy.

The infrastructure of Brescia-Montichiari Airport (VBS) fully corresponds to its status as a small but efficient regional node. You will not find huge shopping galleries or food courts typical of international hubs here. The service is oriented towards the basic needs of charter flight and business aviation passengers, ensuring rapid and comfortable processing of pre-flight formalities.

Dining and Shops

The commercial service zone in the terminal is minimalist. This is worth considering if you are used to arriving at the airport hungry or planning extensive shopping before departure.

• Cafés and Restaurants: A small snack bar/cafeteria operates inside the terminal. Here you can drink a classic Italian espresso, order a cappuccino, fresh pastries, or panini (sandwiches). There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals in the building.
• Shops: The retail area is limited to a point of sale for press, tobacco products, and souvenirs. The Duty Free range (for flights outside the EU) is very modest and includes a basic set of perfumes, beverages, and local delicacies.

Financial Services and Connectivity

Basic amenities are provided in the building for urgent matters:

• ATMs: ATMs for withdrawing cash Euros are installed in the public area of the arrival and departure halls.
• Currency Exchange: There is no full-service currency exchange office at the airport, so it is recommended to take care of cash in advance if you are arriving from countries with a different currency.
• Wi-Fi: Passengers are provided with free access to wireless internet. The network usually works stably due to the low load on the terminal. Charging stations for gadgets can be found in the waiting area, but their number is limited (it is recommended to carry a power bank).

Comfort and VIP Services

Montichiari Airport is often used for private aviation, so services for demanding clients are developed here, although they differ from the standard business lounges of network carriers.

• VIP Lounges: There are no large network business lounges (like Priority Pass) in the main terminal. However, the general waiting hall itself is characterized by silence and tranquility.
• General Aviation: Separate service and expedited processing are provided for passengers of private flights, often bypassing the main flow.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Thanks to the single-level layout, there are no complex stairs or transitions.

• "Sala Amica" Service: As in all Italian airports, an assistance service operates here. Special restrooms and dedicated parking spaces are located as conveniently as possible.
• Assistance: Airport staff provide assistance during boarding and disembarking (using ambulifts). The service must be requested through the airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Services for Passengers with Children

For family travelers, the airport is convenient due to its compactness — children are always in sight. Changing tables are provided in the restrooms. There are no specialized play areas in the terminal.

Medical Assistance

A first aid point (Pronto Soccorso Aeroportuale) operates in the airport building, ready to provide support in emergency situations.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly in the terminal building, but thanks to the convenient location, passengers can choose one of the options nearby:

• Garda Hotel (4 stars): Located just 3–4 km from the airport, opposite the Montichiari Exhibition Centre. A convenient option for transit passengers.
• Hotels in Montichiari: In the center of the town of Montichiari (5–10 minutes drive), there are several cozy guest houses and mid-range hotels.

Business Services

Specialized conference rooms are not provided inside the passenger terminal. For business meetings and events, travelers usually use the infrastructure of the neighboring Centro Fiera Montichiari exhibition center, which is a few minutes' drive away and has extensive facilities for business.

The gastronomic infrastructure of Montichiari Airport (VBS) fully reflects its intimate format. Since the air terminal serves a limited number of passenger flights, there are no food courts or chain restaurants familiar to large international hubs here. Dining is organized on the principle of "quick and high quality" so that travelers can have a snack before departure without spending much time.

Main Terminal Café-Bar

The only dining point is located in the public zone (Landside), in the central hall of the terminal, not far from the check-in counters. This is a classic Italian snack bar that combines the functions of a coffee shop and a buffet.

• Assortment: The main focus is on snacks and drinks. You can always find fresh panini (Italian sandwiches) with ham, cheese, or salami (please note that these meat options typically contain pork), tramezzini (triangular sandwiches made of soft bread), as well as various pastries — croissants and brioches.
• Drinks: The bar offers excellent coffee (espresso, cappuccino, macchiato), which in Italy is traditionally good even in small roadside cafés. Soft drinks, juices, and beverages are also available.
• Hot Meals: There is no full kitchen with a stove here, so hot dishes (pasta or risotto) are usually unavailable. At best, you might be offered reheated pizza or focaccia.

Departure Zone (Airside)

After passing security control, the choice becomes even more limited. In the "sterile" zone, often only vending machines with water, coffee, and snacks (chips, chocolate, biscuits) are operating. During periods of high load (for example, during a charter departure), a small mobile point selling coffee and drinks may open, but one should not always count on it.

Local Flavor: What to Try

Even in such a small bar, you can feel the taste of the Lombardy region. Pay attention to:

• Panini with Local Cheeses: Grana Padano cheeses, produced in this province, are often used.
• Local Wines: Brescia borders the famous wine-growing region of Franciacorta. If the bar stocks sparkling wine, it is likely to be this local high-quality product worth tasting before your flight.

Special Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Given the modest size of the café, a specialized menu is absent.

• Vegetarian: Sandwiches with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes (Caprese) or sweet pastries are available.
• Vegan: The selection is extremely limited (fruit, packaged nuts, or chips).
• Gluten-Free: Specialized gluten-free pastries are usually not available; only factory-packaged snacks with the corresponding labeling are accessible.
• Halal: Specific Halal-certified meat options are generally not available in the standard sandwich selection.

Tip: If you follow a strict diet or require Halal meals, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

Prices and Opening Hours

The pricing policy at Montichiari Airport is moderate, slightly higher than city prices, but lower than at the major airports of Milan.

Recommendations for Passengers

• For a Quick Snack: The bar in the general area is ideal for a traditional Italian breakfast "on the go" (coffee and croissant) immediately upon arrival at the airport.
• For a Full Lunch: If you have time before your flight, it is better to have lunch in the town of Montichiari or at restaurants near the airport (for example, at the Garda Hotel or in the exhibition center area), as you will not be able to have a substantial meal inside the terminal.

Traveling through small regional airports like Montichiari Airport (VBS) has its own specifics. The absence of huge crowds and endless corridors is certainly a plus, but limited infrastructure requires greater independence and foresight from the tourist. To ensure your departure or arrival goes as smoothly as possible, use the following proven tips.

Optimal Arrival Time

Despite the compactness of the terminal and usually quick processing of formalities, do not arrive at the very last minute. Since the airport serves charter flights, check-in counters may open strictly according to schedule and close exactly 40–45 minutes before departure.

• Recommended Time: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure time indicated on your ticket. This will give you a buffer in case of unforeseen delays on the road (traffic jams on the A4 motorway are not uncommon) and allow you to drop off luggage calmly.
• For Passengers without Luggage: If you are traveling light and have already completed online check-in, arriving 1.5 hours in advance is sufficient.

Check-in and Security Control

Procedures at Montichiari proceed at a calm pace but have their nuances due to the small staff.

• Documents: Keep passports and boarding passes in hand, not at the bottom of your bag. In small airports, documents are often checked more thoroughly even before entering the "sterile" zone.
• Printouts: Although mobile boarding passes are accepted everywhere, it is recommended to have a printed copy of the ticket. In case of a scanner malfunction (which happens in small hubs), paper will save your nerves.
• Screening: Screening lines here are short. To pass them instantly, remove your belt and watch, and take your laptop out of your bag in advance.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Flying into this region of Italy offers stunning views, so seat selection has aesthetic significance.

• Views of the Alps and Lakes: Upon departure, try to occupy a Window seat. The airport is located near Lake Garda, and in clear weather, a breathtaking panorama of the water surface, the Sirmione peninsula, and the foothills of the Alps opens up from above.
• Tip at Check-in: If your airline does not offer online seat selection, arrive at the start of check-in. Staff at the counter in small airports are often more flexible and may provide the desired seat for free if asked politely.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Security rules here comply with general European standards (EU security rules), but checks can be thorough.

• Liquids: Strictly up to 100 ml in one container. All containers must be packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter.
• Food: Solid foods (sandwiches, fruit, biscuits) are allowed. Soft cheeses (Gorgonzola, Mascarpone) and paste-like products (Nutella, pesto) are considered liquids — they will be confiscated if the volume exceeds 100 ml.
• Batteries: Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

It is important to understand: Montichiari Airport is typically a final destination ("point-to-point"), not a transfer hub.

• Connections: There are practically no guaranteed connections by a single airline here. If you are planning a transfer, allow at least 4–5 hours for it, as you will have to collect luggage and check in again.
• Changing Airports: If your transfer involves departing from Verona (VRN) or Bergamo (BGY), consider the transfer time. Taxis between cities are expensive, and public transport will take a lot of time.

Customs Control and Tax Free

If you are leaving the EU and plan to claim a VAT refund (Tax Free) for purchases:

• Customs Office: In small airports, the customs officer may not be seated at the post constantly. You may need to call the officer by phone (the number is usually indicated on the window) or ask for help at the information desk.
• Allow Time: Processing may take longer than in large airports with automated kiosks. Arrive early and have all purchases with you — you may be asked to present them.

How to Save Time and Money

• Water: Do not buy overpriced water. Bring an empty bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security (tap water in Italy is of high quality).
• Transfer: Never hail a taxi "off the curb" if you do not want to overpay. Booking a transfer online or via an app will be cheaper. Even cheaper is to take the shuttle to Brescia station, and from there take a train.
• Food to Go: Given the modest choice of food in the terminal, it is much more profitable and tastier to buy a panini in a city bakery before leaving for the airport.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Charter delays happen. Since there is little entertainment at the airport, prepare for the wait yourself.

• Gadgets: Download movies, music, or books to your devices in advance. Wi-Fi is available, but its speed may not be enough for streaming video. Be sure to bring a fully charged power bank — there are few power outlets in the waiting lounge.
• Comfort: If the delay is long (more than 2–3 hours), check with airline representatives about the possibility of leaving the "sterile zone." In this case, you can walk to the Garda Hotel (about 3 km) to wait out the time in a comfortable lobby or restaurant, instead of sitting on hard terminal seats.