Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) – The Central Gateway to Calabria
Lamezia Terme International Airport (IATA: SUF, ICAO: LICA) is the largest and most critical air transport hub in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. Strategically located near the city of Lamezia Terme in the province of Catanzaro, the airport is the ideal entry point for visitors looking to explore Calabria’s diverse landscapes—from the pristine beaches of the Tyrrhenian coast, like Tropea and Capo Vaticano, to the inland natural beauty of the Sila National Park.
The airport is a vital engine for local tourism and economic growth, serving as a primary connection point between Calabria and the rest of Italy and Europe.
Airport Performance and Key Facts
Lamezia Terme Airport, managed by SACAL S.p.A., has demonstrated impressive growth, especially in international traffic, following strategic governmental decisions to eliminate certain local taxes.
| Category | Details |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | SUF / LICA |
| Location | Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro Province, Italy |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 2.71 million passengers (Assaeroporti data) |
| Q1 Passenger Traffic (2025) | 200,739 passengers (a 17.3% increase from Q1 2024) |
| International Growth (Q1 2025) | International traffic grew by an impressive 170% |
| Operator | SACAL S.p.A. |
| Connectivity | Well-connected to major Italian and European cities |
Airlines and Extensive Route Network
SUF Airport is characterized by a strong mix of domestic routes served by the national carrier and a high volume of international, seasonal, and low-cost routes driven by tourism demand.
Major Airlines and Growth
The abolition of the municipal surtax in Calabria led to a massive boost in operations, particularly from the largest low-cost operator:
- Ryanair Supercharged Growth: Ryanair has significantly increased its presence, offering over 220 weekly flights to 22 destinations from Lamezia Terme in Summer 2025. This expansion includes four new international and one new domestic route.
- Other Key Carriers: ITA Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Wizz Air, Marabu, and Condor maintain a strong presence, especially for German and Italian markets.
Key Destinations and New Routes (Summer 2025)
The airport’s network is robust, covering key city and leisure destinations across Europe.
| Category | Destinations include (selection) | New Routes for Summer 2025 (Ryanair) |
| Domestic Italy | Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP, LIN, BGY), Turin, Bologna, Venice (VCE), Verona, Genoa, Trieste | Trieste |
| Western Europe | London (STN, LHR), Manchester, Paris (ORY), Brussels Charleroi (CRL), Madrid, Valencia, Geneva | Madrid, Tirana (Albania), Bucharest (Romania) |
| Central/East Europe | Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn, Vienna, Zurich, Krakow, Prague, Bratislava | Wroclaw (Poland) |
| Transatlantic | Toronto (seasonal charter) | – |
Terminal Facilities and Enhancements
Lamezia Terme operates a single, modern terminal building focused on efficient passenger flow and improved services.
- Terminal Development: A new boarding area module has recently been completed as part of a major airport makeover, indicating ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and handle increased traffic volumes.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the main terminal areas.
- Passenger Comfort: Dedicated facilities for duty-free shopping, cafes, bars, and full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility are provided.
- Nearby Accommodation: Hotels like Hotel Savant and Best Western Lamezia provide easy overnight access for early morning flights or late arrivals.
Ground Transportation and Intermodal Connections
Lamezia Terme Airport offers quick and varied access to Lamezia Terme city, the central railway station, and Calabria’s major tourist spots.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Notes |
| Bus Service | Lamezia Terme Centrale Railway Station | ~15–20 minutes | €2.00 | Services operated by Autolinee Romano and IAS Scura. Connects efficiently to the national rail network. |
| Taxi | Lamezia Terme City Center | ~15 minutes | €20–€25 | Standard taxi services are readily available outside the terminal. |
| Rail Connection (Future) | Lamezia Terme-Catanzaro Lido | Expected June 2026 | Varies | Significant infrastructural upgrades and electrification projects are underway, with expected completion in 2026, to significantly enhance regional rail connections from the airport. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | All major international car rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc.) operate from the airport. |
| Parking | On-site | N/A | Varies | Over 1,000 parking spaces available for short and long-term stays. |
Looking Ahead: Strategic Development
Lamezia Terme Airport is not only focused on immediate air traffic growth but also on long-term infrastructural improvements. The regional government is heavily investing in new road systems and promoting eco-tourism, including a new bike path from the airport to Lake La Vota. The ongoing electrification and upgrading of the Lamezia Terme–Catanzaro Lido railway line, due for activation by June 2026, is set to transform the airport’s intermodal capabilities, solidifying its role as the definitive transport hub for the entire Calabrian region.