Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is an international airport located 4.3 km southwest of Catania, the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily. It is named after the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania.
In 2020, the port was the busiest airport in Sicily and the fourth busiest in Italy. The port is heavily used for private jet flights to the region. Major airlines such as ITA Airways, Lufthansa and KLM serve here and connect numerous European destinations such as Rome, Munich, Amsterdam and Berlin, while low-cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair offer flights to leisure destinations.
Sicily private jet charter prices
Although Catania-Fontanarossa Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Catania are as follows.
| Light Jet | 13.800 EUR |
| Midsize Jet | 17.400 EUR |
| Heavy Jet | 24.550 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Catania Airport from 1924 to today
The history of Catania Airport dates back to 1924, when it was the first airport in the region. During the Second World War, it was captured by the Allies during the Sicilian Campaign and used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Force. The Twelfth Air Force used the airfield as a battlefield, deploying the 25th Bombardment Group flying B-25 Mitchells from August 27 to November 19, 1943. In addition, the 51st Troop Carrier Wing Headquarters used the airfield from September 29, 1943 to June 29, 1944. Various transport units used the airfield for the rest of the war. After the war, it was transferred back to civilian authorities.
By the late 1940s, it became clear that there was no more space at the airfield and it was deemed necessary to relocate the airfield elsewhere. In 1950, a new, larger and improved Catania Airport was inaugurated. After 20 years of unexpected growth and high passenger levels, in 1981 it was once again necessary to reconfigure the airport to meet demand.
To cope with the increasing number of passengers, a new terminal was inaugurated on May 8, 2007, replacing the old facilities, equipped with 22 gates and six loading bridges. The current “investment program” has enabled Catania Fontanarossa Airport to continue to look forward and plan for growth over the next decade, implementing brand new infrastructure and many additions, including a panoramic restaurant, a new airside runway and more office space.
Ryanair started flying to Catania in 2013, initially announcing only one route to Catania, while it also started operations to Comiso Airport, a new airport opened in 2013 and located near the city of Ragusa, about 100 km from Catania. To cope with the rapid increase in passengers, two additional terminals were opened in 2018 (Terminal B and C). Terminal C is only used by easyJet.
What to see in Catania
Catania, the rising value of Sicily in terms of tourism, is the 2nd most populous city of the island. Places to visit in the city can be listed as follows:
Teatro Massimo Bellini, which opened in 1890 and attracts attention as the most magnificent structure of the city, Catania Street Market where the freshest and highest quality products of the country are sold, Etna Street, the busiest street of the city, Giardino Bellini, one of the largest parks in Sicily, Basilica della Collegiata, one of the most striking examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, Duomo Square, one of the most lively squares of the city used as a meeting point.
Catania airport transportation details
It is possible to reach Catania city center and Catania Centrale within 25 minutes with the bus services of AMT ALIBUS. The buses, which can be boarded from the stops located outside the Arrivals Hall in front of the Terminal Building, operate from 04:40 am until 00:00 pm.
Taxi stands are located on the main floor of the terminal, outside the Arrivals Hall. It is possible to reach Catania city center by taxi in 20 to 30 minutes depending on the traffic. Although taxis have taximeter, you may need to bargain.
The last alternative for transportation from the port to the city center is to rent a private car from the car rental services located in the port.
