Naples Italy Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located about 4-7 kilometres north of Naples city centre, Italy. The airport covers 233 hectares of land and consists of a single terminal on two levels, with the arrivals area on the ground floor and departures on the first floor. The terminal is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and a straightforward layout that makes it easy to navigate. The airport is a major hub for air travel in southern Italy, serving more than 10 million passengers a year, with flights arriving from within Italy, Europe, the UK, Russia, and North Africa.

Naples International Airport's single runway and taxiway

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located approximately 5.9 km (4 miles) north of Naples city centre. The airport is a major hub for air travel in southern Italy. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city via the "Tangenziale", an urban highway (A56) that connects Naples to the metropolitan area and highways leading to other cities.

The airport covers 233 hectares (576 acres) of land and operates from a single terminal, which is divided into two main areas: Arrivals and Departures. The terminal is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and a straightforward layout, making it easy to navigate. Naples International Airport has a single runway (orientation: 06/24 – 2,628 m × 45 m (8,622 ft × 148 ft) – resistance: PCN90/F/B/W/T – assistance: PAPI, ILS) made of bituminous conglomerate and concrete, along with one taxiway. There is one apron with 29 stands, 9 of which are self-manoeuvring, while the rest are Push Back.

The airport provides a smooth and hassle-free experience for those arriving or departing from Naples and the surrounding region. It offers a range of essential facilities expected of a modern airport, including information kiosks, ATMs, currency exchange counters, and lounges. The single-runway and taxiway configuration allows for efficient aircraft movement, contributing to the airport's overall functionality and convenience for travellers.

In addition to its accessibility via the "Tangenziale", the airport is also connected by bus lines. The ANM bus line provides a direct route into Naples, dropping passengers off at the central train station or the harbour. There is also the Alibus bus line, operated by ANM, which connects the airport to Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Municipio. These bus options offer travellers convenient and affordable transportation to and from the airport.

The airport's location and transport links

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located in the Capodichino district of Naples, Italy. The airport is situated approximately 4 to 7 kilometres north of Naples city centre, depending on the source. It is easily accessible from the city via the A56, an urban highway that connects Naples to the metropolitan area and highways to other cities.

The airport consists of a single terminal with two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the first floor. The terminal is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and a straightforward layout, making it easy for passengers to navigate.

In terms of transportation options, there is currently no train service from the airport to Naples. However, passengers can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to the city. The ANM bus line and the Alibus shuttle bus provide direct connections to Naples city centre and the central train station. While the bus is a more affordable option, it may take longer than a taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, with fixed rates for destinations within the city.

For those driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking lots. The airport also offers dedicated disabled parking spaces close to the terminal. Additionally, car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Military presence at the airport

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located approximately 5.9 km (4 miles) north of Naples city centre. The airport covers 233 hectares (576 acres) of land and contains a single runway. It is the fourth-busiest airport in Italy and the busiest in Southern Italy.

Naples International Airport has a significant military presence, with US military forces, primarily US Navy personnel, present at the site since 1951. The airport is home to Naval Support Activity Naples (NSA Naples), a large US Navy base that supports various military operations in the region. NSA Naples is located in the northwestern area of the airport, occupying several buildings. The US Navy handles both military and civilian aircraft at the airport for logistical purposes.

NSA Naples is home to the US Sixth Fleet and the US Naval Forces Europe. It employs over 10,000 servicemen from every branch of the operable service. The base provides support to naval vessels in the Mediterranean and other military units around the Italian peninsula. It also assists with administrative functions and manages the local education system, supporting civilians and the families of servicemen and women.

The history of the US military presence at Naples Airport dates back to the early 1950s, with the establishment of the Commander, Subordinate Command, US Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic. In 1957, this unit became the US Naval Activities, Italy/US Naval Support Activity, Naples, and it has remained a vital military installation ever since.

In addition to its support and administrative roles, NSA Naples offers educational opportunities for servicemen. The base has an on-site Navy College that provides degree and certificate programs in collaboration with various universities. Servicemen can pursue higher education, prepare for military and civilian exams, and receive tuition assistance.

The airport's convenient location near Naples International Airport and its efficient layout make it a strategic asset for potential air missions and military logistics.

Airlines that use the airport as a base

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located 5.9 km (4 miles) north of Naples city centre. It covers 233 hectares (576 acres) of land and contains a single runway. The airport is easily accessible from all parts of the city and is well-connected to highways leading to other cities.

The airport is served by a mix of full-service carriers, low-cost airlines, and charter flights. Several airlines use Naples International Airport as a base, including:

• EasyJet: easyJet is a European low-cost airline with its headquarters in the UK. It operates both domestic and international flights from Naples, connecting the city to other European destinations.
• Ryanair: Ryanair is another European low-cost airline with a significant presence at Naples Airport. It offers flights to various destinations across Europe, making it convenient for travellers looking for affordable options.
• Volotea: Volotea is a Spanish low-cost airline that focuses on connecting small and medium-sized cities across Europe. They provide additional options for travellers looking to explore Europe conveniently and affordably from Naples.
• Wizz Air: Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline serving multiple European countries. With Naples as one of its bases, Wizz Air contributes to the variety of travel options available to passengers using the airport.

In addition to these base airlines, Naples International Airport also accommodates several other carriers offering regular scheduled and charter flights. These include ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia), Lufthansa, and seasonal flights from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. The airport's efficient layout, convenient location, and range of flight destinations make it an excellent gateway to Southern Italy and the Mediterranean region.

Passenger statistics and facilities

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is the main airport serving Naples, Italy. It is located approximately 4-7 kilometres north of Naples city centre. The airport is a major hub for air travel in southern Italy, serving over 10 million passengers a year, with flights arriving from within Italy, Europe, the UK, Russia, and North Africa. In 2024, the airport handled 12,650,478 passengers. The airport serves as a base for easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea, and Wizzair.

The airport operates from a single terminal, divided into two main areas: arrivals and departures. The terminal is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and a straightforward layout that makes it easy to navigate. The arrivals area is on the ground floor, while the departure gates are on the first floor. The airport provides all the essential facilities expected from a modern airport, including a tourist information kiosk, a post office, a currency exchange, rental car and hotel reservation counters, a luggage deposit, and a VIP lounge.

There are several transportation options available at the airport, including buses, taxis, and car rentals. The ANM bus line and the Alibus shuttle bus provide direct connections to the city centre and the central train station. Taxis are available outside the airport, with fixed rates for destinations within the city. Car rental services are also available, with several car parks located along the main entry road to the airport, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

The airport offers a range of dining options, including a pizzeria, an ice cream parlour, and a wine bar serving small dishes. Duty-free shopping is available in the departures lounge, along with a newsagent and gift shop. Other facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, and a bank located near Terminal 1. A 24-hour lost property service, a Red Cross medical centre, and a car wash are also available on-site.

Frequently asked questions