Trapani–Birgi Vincenzo Florio Airport (TPS/LICT) – Gateway to Western Sicily
Trapani–Birgi Vincenzo Florio Airport (TPS) is a pivotal transport hub for Western Sicily, serving as the main aerial gateway for the beautiful city of Trapani, the historic mountaintop town of Erice, and the stunning Egadi Islands. The airport is uniquely situated in Marsala, approximately 15 km (9 miles) south of Trapani, and operates as a mixed-use facility, sharing its runways with a key military airbase.
Named after the distinguished Sicilian industrialist Vincenzo Florio Sr., TPS has successfully established itself as a vibrant hub for low-cost European travel, focusing heavily on enhancing regional connectivity.
Airport Data and Passenger Growth
Trapani Airport has consistently surpassed the one million passenger mark in recent years, demonstrating its increasing importance as a tourist and military logistics center in the Mediterranean.
| Metric | Detail |
| IATA / ICAO Code | TPS / LICT |
| Location | Marsala, Sicily, Italy (15 km from Trapani) |
| Operator | Airgest S.p.A. |
| Total Passengers (2024) | 1,074,939 (Third busiest in Sicily) |
| Passenger Change (2023-2024) | -19.32% (following exceptional growth in 2023) |
| Aircraft Movements (2024) | 9,016 |
| Role | Commercial Airport & Military Airbase (Aeronautica Militare) |
Airlines, Destinations, and Significant Expansion
TPS is characterized by its reliance on low-cost carriers, which provide essential domestic and international links. The airport is set for a major connectivity boost with the expansion of its dominant carrier.
Major Airlines and Key Routes
The main operators at Trapani Airport include budget carriers and domestic airlines:
- Key Airlines: Ryanair (dominant carrier), ITA Airways, DAT, and Aeroitalia.
- Domestic Destinations (Italy): Connectivity is strong across Italy, including routes to Milan (Bergamo, Malpensa), Rome (Fiumicino), Bologna, Turin, Pisa, Venice, Pescara, and the island of Pantelleria.
- International Destinations (2025 Seasonal): Destinations include Malta, London (Stansted), Manchester, Brussels (Charleroi), Bratislava, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Katowice, Porto, and Seville.
Ryanair’s New Base and Network Expansion (2026)
A major development is the establishment of a new base by Ryanair, which is projected to significantly enhance connectivity:
- New Base (Jan 2026): Ryanair will open its third Sicilian base (20th in Italy), basing two B737 aircraft at TPS. This investment follows the Sicilian Region’s decision to abolish the municipal surcharge at smaller airports.
- New Routes: The expansion will introduce 11 new routes, bringing the total network to 23 routes. New connections include: Baden-Baden, Bari, Bratislava, Bournemouth, Brussels, Katowice, London, Pescara, Saarbrücken, Stockholm, and Verona.
- Traffic Impact: This move is projected to grow passenger traffic to over 1 million passengers annually by 2026, boosting year-round connectivity and supporting over 800 local jobs. Capacity to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan will also increase by 10%.
Airport Facilities and Passenger Services
Trapani–Birgi operates a compact, single-terminal facility focused on efficiency and quick turnaround for high-volume low-cost traffic.
- Terminal Services: Passengers have access to necessary services, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a café/bar for quick refreshments, and limited retail/duty-free options. The terminal is equipped with essential accessibility features for disabled passengers.
- Nearby Amenities: While the terminal itself is compact, the area offers comfortable nearby accommodation options such as Hotel San Michele and Baglio Oneto Resort.
Ground Transportation Options
Connecting the airport to the picturesque towns of Western Sicily is straightforward via road.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Bus (AST) | Trapani City Center | ~30 minutes | €3–€5 | The most economical option, connecting directly to the city’s main bus terminal. |
| Taxi | Trapani City Center | ~20 minutes | €25–€30 | Convenient for direct travel. Recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before departure. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | Essential for exploring Western Sicily. Desks for major companies (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Sicily by Car) are available. |
| Parking | On-site Car Park | N/A | Varies | A dedicated car park offers capacity for approximately 500 vehicles for short and long-term parking. |
Strategic Importance and Future Role
Beyond its commercial function, TPS holds significant strategic value as a military airbase.
- F-35 Training Base: In a major strategic announcement made in late 2025, Trapani-Birgi is confirmed to be the future site for a global F-35 training base, underscoring its enduring military importance within NATO.
- Tourism Gateway: The airport’s location makes it the ideal starting point for a Sicilian adventure, offering quick access to the historic salt marshes, the Phoenician site of Mothia, the Marsala wine region, and the ferry links to the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo).
Contact Information
- Address: Contrada Birgi, I-91100 Trapani, ITALY
- Telephone: +39 0923 842502
- Official Website: www.airgest.it