EU Parliament Reviews Privatization of Sicily's Catania and Comiso Airports

Eight local stakeholders—including trade unions, consumer groups, municipal representatives and independent analyst Franz Cannizzo—signed a protocol titled the “Patto per la Sicilia Orientale.” The pact outlines non‑negotiable conditions for the privatization of SAC S.p.A., the publicly owned operator of Catania Fontanarossa and Comiso airports, demanding transparency, legal compliance and protection of public and occupational interests.

The same coalition has lodged a petition with the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI). The petition asks PETI to examine the proposed sale of SAC’s majority share, citing concerns over possible tariff increases, investment needs, service quality, and the risk that acquisition costs could be passed on to airlines and passengers. It also references earlier complaints filed with Italian courts and regional prosecutors, urging an EU‑level review under competition, state‑aid, transparency and consumer‑protection rules.