Grottaglie Airport expansion sparks regional debate in Puglia

The Puglia Region has announced a call for interest to explore establishing passenger flight connections from Grottaglie Airport, specifically targeting routes to Rome and Milan Linate. The proposal envisions approximately twelve weekly flights designed to allow same-day travel. Additionally, regional officials have announced that cargo operations are set to begin on October 3, with Istanbul as the initial destination, aiming to establish Grottaglie as a major cargo hub for Southern Italy.

The announcement has sparked significant political and territorial debate between the provinces of Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce. While Taranto advocates for improved connectivity to address historical infrastructure deficits, officials in Brindisi and Lecce express concern that new passenger routes could divert traffic and resources away from the Brindisi Airport. Some local leaders have characterized the move as a propaganda effort, while others emphasize the need for a unified regional aviation strategy rather than competition between nearby airports.

Local committees and political groups are calling for more than just market surveys. They are urging the Puglia Region and the national government to provide concrete economic support, financial incentives, and clear administrative procedures to ensure the long-term viability of these new routes and to prevent the project from failing due to lack of sustained investment.