Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS/LIPQ): The Multimodal Hub of Northeastern Italy
Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS), officially named Aeroporto Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is the primary air gateway to the vibrant region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. Strategically located in Ronchi dei Legionari, approximately 33 km (20 miles) northwest of the historic city of Trieste, the airport is more than just a regional hub; it is a fully integrated multimodal transport center. Its location near the borders of Slovenia and Austria makes it an essential connection point for the entire Adriatic-Alpine area.
Airport Overview and Record Growth
TRS has rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s fastest-growing medium-sized airports, consistently setting new passenger records. This growth is largely driven by its strategic investments and the establishment of a major airline base.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | TRS / LIPQ |
| Official Name | Aeroporto Friuli-Venezia Giulia |
| Location | Ronchi dei Legionari (33 km from Trieste) |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 1,319,813 passengers (a massive 41.5% growth compared to 2023) |
| Strategic Role | Key multimodal hub for Northeastern Italy and the Adriatic-Alpine region. |
| Key Milestone | Became Ryanair’s 17th Italian Base in early 2024. |
Airlines and Expanding Connectivity
The airport is consolidating its role by attracting new airlines and expanding its route map, offering a total of 27 direct destinations by March 2025.
Major Airlines and Market Presence
TRS is served by a combination of full-service carriers and low-cost operators, providing extensive domestic and international access:
- Major Scheduled Carriers: ITA Airways, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air.
- Low-Cost Dominance: Ryanair’s establishment of a base in early 2024 has been the primary catalyst for the airport’s explosive growth, with the airline proposing a 35% growth in capacity for Summer 2025.
New Routes and Network Enhancement (2025)
The airport continues to enhance its connections, adding strategic international and domestic links:
- New International Routes:
- Stockholm (ARN): Direct connection with Ryanair (Summer 2025).
- Prague (PRG): Direct route with Ryanair (from late March 2025).
- Rotterdam (RTM): Three weekly frequencies with Transavia, a new carrier at the airport (from April 1, 2025).
- Bucharest (OTP): Direct route initiated in 2024 with Wizz Air.
- New Domestic Routes:
- Lamezia Terme (SUF): New connection with Ryanair (from late March 2025).
- Increased Frequencies: Ryanair is increasing frequencies on nine existing routes to further enhance connectivity to key European destinations.
Integrated Transport and Accessibility
Trieste Airport distinguishes itself as a true multimodal hub, offering passengers a seamless transition between air, rail, and road transport options directly from the terminal.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Train (Direct Rail Link) | Trieste Centrale Station | ~30 minutes | €4–€5 | The dedicated Trieste Airport railway station is connected directly to the terminal, offering the fastest route to the city center and onward regional/national connections. |
| Bus (APT Gorizia) | Trieste (Central Bus Station) | ~45 minutes | €4–€5 | Services also connect to nearby key towns like Grado, Monfalcone, and Gorizia. |
| Taxi | Trieste City Center | ~40 minutes | €50–€60 | Standard taxi service. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | All major international car rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) are present in the terminal. |
Terminal Services and Passenger Experience
The airport operates a single, modern, and efficient terminal designed for quick passenger processing and a comfortable waiting environment.
- VIP Lounge: The “Sala Calligaris” VIP Lounge offers a tranquil space. Access is available to eligible passengers, and Economy Class travellers can purchase pay-at-the-door access for around €20.00.
- Retail and Dining: Facilities include a selection of duty-free and travel retail shops (Aelia, Relay) and dining options, such as the Moka Café and the “Gusto” self-service restaurant.
- Connectivity: Free and dependable Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport.
- Accommodation: Nearby hotels, such as Hotel Major and Hotel Sonia, offer convenient stays for early departures or late arrivals.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Trieste Airport is making significant strides in its commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to be a leader in the Italian airport network.
- Decarbonization: Initiatives include the operation of the largest photovoltaic system in an Italian airport and the gradual introduction of an electric vehicle fleet for ground operations, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions.
- Workforce Expansion: In line with its growth, the airport has launched significant recruitment campaigns in 2025 for key operational roles, ensuring the necessary human resources to support its expanding operations and destinations.
Contact Information
- Official Name: Aeroporto Friuli Venezia Giulia S.p.A.
- Address: Via Aquileia 46, I-34077 Ronchi dei Legionari (GO), ITALY
- Telephone: +39 0481 773224
- Official Website: www.aeroporto.fvg.it