Grottaglie Spaceport: Proposal to redirect 70 million euros

Giampaolo Vietri, a regional councilor for Fratelli d’Italia, has called on Puglia Region President Antonio Decaro to reallocate 70 million euros currently designated for the Grottaglie spaceport. Vietri suggests using the unused funds to establish commercial passenger flights from the Marcello Arlotta airport instead.

The proposal follows years of delays and uncertainty regarding the spaceport project, which began in 2018. Concerns have been raised about the economic viability of space tourism and the stability of international partners. Notably, Virgin Orbit declared bankruptcy in May 2023, and while Virgin Galactic signed a feasibility agreement in December 2024, doubts remain regarding the long-term sustainability of suborbital operations in the region.