Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB/LIEO) – The Exclusive Gateway to Sardinia’s Emerald Coast
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the critical air gateway to the northeastern region of Sardinia, known globally for the luxury resorts and pristine beaches of the Costa Smeralda. Located just 4 km (2.5 miles) from the city center of Olbia, the airport efficiently manages a substantial volume of international tourist traffic, particularly during the high-demand summer season.
As an essential component of the Northern Sardinia airport hub, OLB plays a vital role in the island’s tourism and economic structure, hosting both commercial airlines and a significant volume of private aviation traffic.
Airport Performance and Key Statistics
Olbia Airport has consistently recorded impressive growth, significantly exceeding pre-pandemic passenger levels and reinforcing its status as a major Mediterranean holiday destination hub.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | OLB / LIEO |
| Location | Olbia, Sardinia, Italy (4 km from city center) |
| Operator | Geasar S.p.A. (Controlled by F2i Ligantia) |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 3.88 million passengers (a substantial 18.3% increase over 2023) |
| Summer 2024 Arrivals | Olbia welcomed over 52% of all arrivals in Sardinia between June and September. |
| Network Size | Over 80 destinations across 24 countries during the summer season. |
| Focus | Serves luxury travel to Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda. |
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Experience
The airport features a single, modern commercial terminal, supplemented by a dedicated luxury terminal for private aviation. It is designed to prioritize comfort, speed, and luxury for its predominantly tourist clientele.
Commercial Terminal Services
- Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
- Lounges: An airport lounge is available to provide a relaxing space for premium travellers.
- Retail & Dining: Extensive commercial area, including duty-free shops and various restaurants and bars.
- Unique Amenity: The airport famously offers ‘After Beach Showers,’ a convenient service allowing passengers to rinse off before checking in.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.
Private Aviation: Eccelsa Aviation Terminal
Olbia is a prominent hub for General Aviation. The Eccelsa Aviation terminal offers an exclusive, high-end experience for private jet passengers, featuring a dedicated crew lounge, a private business center, VVIP areas, and a dedicated apron. The refurbishment of the runway allows it to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340, facilitating high-level private travel.
Airlines and Global Route Network
The Summer 2025 season showcases Olbia’s strong international focus, with a wide network that attracts travellers from across Europe and beyond.
Major Airline Presence
The airport partners with over 36 airlines, including major international, domestic, and low-cost carriers:
- Key Carriers: ITA Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Lufthansa, British Airways, and various seasonal charter operators.
- Volotea Base: The low-cost carrier Volotea maintains a significant presence, operating over 20 routes from OLB.
New and Enhanced Routes (Summer 2025)
The route network continues to expand, connecting the island to key cities and long-haul markets:
- Long-Haul Connections: A significant long-stop route to New York City (JFK) operates, catering to the luxury American market. The Dubai (DXB) service has been confirmed, strengthening its Middle Eastern ties.
- European Additions: New routes introduced by Ryanair and other carriers include services to Edinburgh, London City (LCY), Nuremberg, and connections to Corsica via Figari (FSC).
- Domestic Focus: Increased flight frequency to major Italian cities such as Rome and Milan to support year-round domestic travel.
Ground Transportation and Accessibility
OLB is exceptionally close to its city center and provides fast, convenient connections to the entire northeastern coast of Sardinia.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Bus Service (ARST) | Olbia City Center | ~10 minutes | €1 | The most economical and quick way to reach the city center. |
| Taxi | Olbia City Center | ~10 minutes | €15–€20 | Convenient for direct access to hotels or the port. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | All major international agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) are available, essential for exploring the Costa Smeralda. |
| Parking | On-site | N/A | Varies | A large car park with over 1,700 spaces is available for short and long stays. |
| Rail Link (Future) | Olbia Terranova Station / Rail Network | ~2026 Activation | TBD | A new, non-electrified single-track line connecting the airport terminal to the national railway network is under construction, with a target activation date of 2026. |
Sustainability and Future Development
Environmental Commitment
Olbia Airport demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental protection. It has achieved Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme and is actively implementing renewable energy projects as part of its sustainability drive.
Infrastructure Expansion Plan
The airport is executing an extensive Masterplan focused on catering to future traffic demand, with projections anticipating capacity to grow to 4.5 million passengers by 2030 and potentially 6.2 million by 2040. This plan includes the continuous redevelopment of the passenger terminal, car rental areas, and ground access infrastructure.
Proposed Renaming
A proposal has been formally submitted to Italian authorities to rename the airport to “Olbia-Costa Smeralda-Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Airport” to honor his pivotal role in developing the Costa Smeralda and founding the airline Alisarda (which later became Air Italy), recognizing his lasting impact on the region’s economy and tourism.
Contact Information
- Address: I-07026 Olbia Sassari, ITALY
- Phone: +39 0789 563400
- Official Website: www.geasar.it