Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) – The Vibrant Gateway to Western Sicily
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), officially named after anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, is the primary international gateway to Palermo and the entire western half of Sicily. Located in Punta Raisi, Cinisi, approximately 35 km (22 miles) west-northwest of the city center, PMO has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its position as one of Southern Italy’s busiest and most important air traffic hubs.
PMO: Record Growth and Key Statistics
Managed by GESAP S.p.A., the airport has seen its traffic double since 2008 and continues to attract new carriers and expand its route network, making 2024 a record-breaking year.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | PMO / LICJ |
| Location | Punta Raisi, Cinisi (35 km from Palermo) |
| Operator | GESAP S.p.A. |
| Record Passenger Traffic (2024) | 8.92 million passengers (a strong 10.1% increase from 2023) |
| International Traffic Share (2024) | Approximately 30% of total travellers |
| Focus City For | Ryanair, Volotea, Aeroitalia |
| Named After | Judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino |
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Experience
PMO operates a single, multi-level passenger terminal that efficiently manages both domestic and international traffic. The airport management is actively investing in new infrastructure and services to enhance the traveller journey.
- Amenities: The terminal provides essential services including complimentary Wi-Fi, Duty-Free shopping, a variety of food and beverage outlets offering local Sicilian specialties like arancini and cannoli, and comprehensive accessibility features.
- Vip Lounge: The airport offers passenger lounge facilities, with recent upgrades focused on temporary lounge spaces to manage growing demand.
- Expansion Plans (2030 Vision): The airport is undertaking a substantial €250 million investment program aimed at transforming PMO into a strategic Mediterranean gateway. Key components of this 2030 plan include:
- Modular Terminal Expansion: Increasing terminal capacity to handle sustained traffic growth.
- Digital Innovation: Implementing biometric boarding, faster security checks, and predictive “Digital Twin” technology for operational optimization.
- New Services: Expanding parking, catering, and retail spaces.
Connectivity and Route Network
Palermo Airport provides non-stop connections to over 90 destinations across more than 28 countries, with Ryanair remaining the dominant carrier.
Major Airlines and Market Focus
The airport serves as a focus city for multiple carriers, reflecting its strong market position:
- Dominant Carriers: Ryanair (with over 54% market share in H2 2025 and 42 routes), ITA Airways, and Volotea.
- Intercontinental Links: The airport boasts crucial connections to North America during the summer season.
- United Airlines is commencing a new seasonal route from May 2025 connecting Palermo to New York/Newark (EWR).
- Neos also operates a seasonal service to New York–JFK.
- Domestic Dominance: The domestic market accounts for nearly two-thirds of the airport’s capacity. Top routes are to major Italian cities:
- Rome FCO (the top market overall)
- Milan (MXP, LIN, BGY)
- Naples and Verona.
- International Growth: International traffic is growing rapidly (accounting for 30% of traffic). Leading international destinations include Barcelona, London, Paris, Munich, and Zurich. New carriers like Aegean and Iberia joined the portfolio in 2024, contributing to the strong growth. Jet2 is also adding Palermo to its lineup for summer 2026.
Transportation Options to Palermo City
PMO offers convenient and well-established multimodal transport connections to the city center and other Sicilian destinations.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Trinacria Express (Train) | Palermo Centrale Station | ~1 hour | €6 | Dedicated airport train station beneath the terminal offers a direct, reliable connection. |
| Bus (Prestia e Comandè) | Palermo City Center (Main Stops) | ~45 minutes | €6 | Frequent, scheduled service that connects the airport directly to key points in the city. |
| Taxi | Palermo City Center | ~40 minutes | €40–€50 | Standard taxi service. Fixed fares are sometimes available, so it is best to inquire before departure. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt) and local firms (Sicily by Car) are available in the terminal. |
| Parking | On-site | N/A | Available parking for approximately 3,000 vehicles, suitable for both short and long stays. |
Commitment to Sustainability and Future Goals
GESAP is committed to operational excellence and sustainability. The airport’s investment plan focuses on achieving compliance and safety objectives while reducing its carbon footprint. Future sustainability initiatives include plans for energy self-sufficiency via solar power and preparation for utilizing hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The overarching ambition is to deliver a “connected, sustainable and digitally advanced” airport by 2030.
Contact Information
- Address: I-90139 Punta Raisi, ITALY
- Telephone: +39 091 7020111
- Official Website: www.gesap.it