Reggio Calabria Airport (REG/LICR) – Aeroporto dello Stretto: A Thriving Southern Gateway
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG), officially named Aeroporto dello Stretto (Airport of the Strait) after its striking location overlooking the Strait of Messina, is the primary air transport link for the city of Reggio Calabria and the nearby province of Messina in Sicily. Located just 5 km (3 miles) from the city center, REG is a vital economic and tourist artery for Southern Italy, connecting the region with major domestic and European hubs.
REG is currently experiencing a dramatic transformation, driven by significant investment and the arrival of key low-cost carriers, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in Southern Italy.
Location, Growth, and Key Information
The airport’s strategic position provides a unique entry point to Calabria’s main attractions, including the Bronzi di Riace statues and the Aspromonte mountains. Recent performance highlights a spectacular surge in passenger numbers, signaling a new era of connectivity.
| Feature | Details |
| Official Name | Aeroporto dello Stretto |
| IATA / ICAO Code | REG / LICR |
| Location | Reggio Calabria, Italy (5 km from city center) |
| Passenger Traffic (Q1 2025) | 79,313 travellers (a phenomenal +192.3% increase vs. Q1 2024) |
| Primary Airlines | Ryanair (key base operator), ITA Airways |
| Focus | Domestic and new European low-cost connections |
| Coordinates | $38^{\circ} 4′ 31” N, 15^{\circ} 39′ 2” E$ |
Expanded Route Network and Key Airlines (2025)
The abolishment of the regional municipal surtax has catalyzed significant route expansion, especially by low-cost giant Ryanair, which has established a dedicated base at REG with a second based aircraft for its Winter 2024/2025 schedule.
Major Airline Operations
- Ryanair Expansion: Operating approximately 80 flights per week on 13 routes, with a major focus on connecting Calabria to Northern and Central European capitals.
- ITA Airways: Maintains essential domestic links, primarily serving Rome and Milan.
New and Enhanced Destinations (Summer 2025)
The airport’s new route portfolio offers unprecedented international access for travellers to and from Calabria:
- Key Domestic Routes: Daily or high-frequency flights to Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo), Turin, and Pisa.
- New International Routes: Strategic international links launched by Ryanair include:
- London-Stansted (STN)
- Paris (Beauvais)
- Brussels (Charleroi)
- Frankfurt (Hahn)
- Katowice (Poland)
This rapid expansion underpins the airport’s new role in attracting international tourism and boosting local commerce in the region.
Terminal Services and Amenities
Reggio Calabria Airport features a single, compact, and functional passenger terminal designed for quick processing times.
- Services: Passengers can utilize Free Wi-Fi, enjoy refreshments at the in-terminal café, and access limited duty-free shopping options. The terminal provides full facilities and access for disabled travellers.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental agencies have desks at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget, offering convenient pickup for visitors planning to explore Southern Italy.
- Accommodation: Immediate hotel options are available a short distance away, such as Hotel Medinblu and Grand Hotel Excelsior in the city center.
Transportation and Access
The airport is exceptionally well-connected to the city of Reggio Calabria and surrounding areas, including links to Sicily via the nearby port.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Notes |
| Bus (ATAM) | City Center / Port | ~15 minutes | €1.50 | The ATAM Urban Zone bus line provides a frequent, budget-friendly link to the center and the Port (Bus Line PA). |
| Train | Reggio Calabria Centrale | 5–10 minutes | Varies | Regional trains offer a fast connection to the city’s main station and Melito di Porto Salvo, with over 20 daily departures. |
| Taxi | City Center | ~10 minutes | €15–€20 | A quick and direct option; confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip. |
| Parking | On-site | N/A | Varies | Dedicated on-site parking with capacity for approximately 400 vehicles. |
Contact and Official Information
For up-to-date flight schedules and operational details, please use the following official contacts:
- Address: Via Provinciale Ravagnese, 11, 89067 Reggio Calabria, ITALY.
- Phone: +39 0965 640517.
- Official Website: www.aeroportodellostretto.it.