Cagliari Airport
Also known as Cagliari Elmas Airport, Cagliari Airport is located on the island of Sardinia which is about seven kilometers from northwest of Cagliari. The airport is known by the name of Aeroporto Mario Mameli among the Italians. The airport which happens to be the main gateway to the island of Sardinia was inaugurated on 3rd May, 1937. The island is a hotspot for tourists and the Cagliari Airport handles about three million passengers every year.
Cagliari Airport handled as many as 3.333.421 passengers according to statistics back in 2009. It is one of the busiest airports of Italy as it is the main portal to Sardinia Island and the island usually keeps buzzing with tourists throughout the year.
The proximity of the airport with the city centre makes it convenient for tourists to travel from Cagliari Airport. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the city centre. The airport also contains ATMs and banks, shops of different varieties, lounges, restaurants, cafes and business centers.
Travelling from the airport to the city centre and back is relatively easy simply because of its short distance. The cheapest form of transportation is buses that leave for the City Center every half an hour. There are two bus stations inside the Cagliari Airport- buses that leave from just outside the arrival are usually ply between 8.40 am and 11.30 pm while the buses from the departures area usually travel between 5.20 in the morning to 10.30 at night. Taxis are a far more flexible and faster way of travelling and they are found 24 hours a day. They usually charge higher rates at night but are negotiable at the same time. Private cars can also be rented and although slightly expensive, they are a great way of touring the island. The train station is also about ten minutes from the airport.
Air Berlin to Munich, Alitalia, Easy Jet, London-Heathrow British Airways, Meridiana, Monarch Airlines, etc. are some of the airlines available for arrival of departure from Cagliari Airport. There are direct flights from the airport to over thirty different cities and the airport is also used by several airliners as a means of easy access to the island of Sardinia.
Cagliari Airport is three-storied with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the first floor. The terminal was upgraded in 2003 which ensured better passenger comfort during their stay in the airport. Having features and comforts of all major international airports, the terminal can quite easily accommodate about four million passengers every year. The glass and metal surface of the terminal makes it convenient for passengers while at the same time, providing a great view of gardens and the airliners. It also blends perfectly with the skyline and surroundings. The second level has check-in desks, VIP lounges and also a special place called ‘Sala Amica’ that helps people with reduced or limited mobility. There is also a left luggage office where you can leave your luggage quite safely if you are moving around. In case of any requirements, the contact number for the airport is +39 (0)70 211211.
It also houses additional services like a post-office, first aid station and refreshments at the coffee and ice-cream parlour. The Departures are on the second level can be also reached by a car by means of ramp. This level also houses the actual boarding area, refreshments with the shop providing an extraordinary, panoramic view and wifi access as well as facilities for transportation of the disabled. There is also a left luggage office where you can leave your luggage quite safely if you are moving around. With no paucity of shops of different varieties, lounges, restaurants and cafes, you can also enjoy lovely meals or snacks anytime during your stay at the airport.