Catania airport (CTA)

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), officially Vincenzo Bellini International Airport, is the most important airport on the island of Sicily and one of the busiest in Italy. Inaugurated on 11 May 1924, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights connecting Sicily with major cities across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Official Website: aeroporto.catania.it

Telephone: +39 095 723 9111

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport has two adjacent passenger terminals, in addition to a third building (Terminal B) currently slated for demolition and reconstruction (out of service):

• Terminal A: The main and largest terminal, used for most arrival and departure operations, both domestic and international (Schengen and non-Schengen). It operates 24 hours a day, but the secure area closes from 12:00 am to 4:30 am.
• Terminal C: A satellite terminal dedicated exclusively to Schengen-area departures operated by easyJet.

Annual Traffic (2024): 12.3 million passengers.

Information Points

In addition to the airport information desk, there is a tourist information point managed by the Municipality of Catania, located in the arrivals hall. Here you can obtain guides, maps and assistance for your visit to the island.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Sundays and Public Holidays: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

 Location

The airport is located 4.3 km (2.6 miles) south of Catania city centre.

Parking services at Catania airport (CTA)

The facility offers a range of parking options designed to meet the needs of both short and long stays. All areas are conveniently located and equipped to ensure easy access for passengers.

Parking Options

• P1 / P3: Designed for very short stays (up to 2 hours), ideal for quickly dropping off or picking up passengers. The first 15 minutes of parking are free.
• P4: A multi-storey car park suitable for medium and long stays, including covered spaces and designated areas for motorbikes.
• P6: A low-cost option for long stays, located 70 metres from Terminal A and 200 metres from Terminal C.

Additional Information

• Availability Displays: Each parking sector features screens showing real-time availability of spaces.
• Online Reservations: Online booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure a space and potentially obtain better rates.
• PRM Assistance: There are reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility in all car parks, located close to entrances and exits.
• Rates: To check updated rates and make reservations, visit the official airport website.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Catania Airport is committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible travel experience for all passengers. Services and facilities are available for people with reduced mobility, unaccompanied minors, passengers travelling with animals, and support for people with autism. It is essential to inform the airline of any special needs in advance.

Assistance for People with Reduced Mobility

The airport is equipped to provide comprehensive assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring smooth access and movement throughout all facilities. It is recommended to notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance about specific requirements to coordinate the necessary assistance.

• Qualified Staff: A team of trained staff is available to assist with all procedures, from check-in to boarding.
• Adapted Infrastructure: Includes reserved parking spaces, accessible toilets, ramps, lifts, and corridors designed to facilitate movement.
• Boarding/Disembarking Assistance: Availability of vehicles with lifts and other equipment to facilitate boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.
• Paths for Visually Impaired Passengers: Tactile routes and specific signage to help visually impaired passengers orient themselves.
• Meeting Points: Designated areas for requesting assistance, clearly signposted.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines offer assistance services for minors travelling alone. Policies and age requirements may vary depending on the airline, so it is crucial to contact the airline directly before travelling.

• Children aged 4 to 12: They are generally accompanied by airline staff up to boarding and supervised during the flight.
• Children under 4 years old: Some airlines may require the hiring of a special escort service (such as an additional flight attendant) or may have restrictions on very young children travelling without an accompanying adult.
• Documentation: It is essential to check with the airline what documentation is required for the minor (authorisations, identification, etc.).

Assistance for Passengers Travelling with Animals

Passengers travelling with animals must comply with the specific regulations of the airline and the destination country. The airport has designated areas for animals in transit.

• Service Animals: Guide dogs or assistance dogs are generally allowed in the cabin, subject to prior notification to the airline.
• Pets in Cabin or Hold: Conditions for transporting other pets vary depending on the airline (size, weight, type of carrier, fees).
• Health and Documentation Requirements: All required travel and health documentation for the animal is essential (pet passport, vaccination certificates, microchip).
• Animal Areas: There are specific areas for animals’ physiological needs before or after the flight.

Autism Project

The airport participates in the “Autism Project”, an initiative aimed at making the airport environment more friendly and accessible for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. The goal is to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with air travel.

• Support Resources: Visual and social guides are offered to help passengers with ASD understand the airport process.
• Trained Staff: Airport staff receive specific training to interact in a considerate and effective manner with passengers with ASD.
• Priority Routes: In some cases, faster access to security checks and boarding gates can be provided to minimise waiting times.