Italian airport privatizations spark labor and governance disputes in Catania and Cagliari

In Sicily, the CISAL and Legea unions have warned that the planned privatization of Catania Airport (SAC) could jeopardise the jobs of around 700 workers. They called for immediate political intervention and argue that only a merger of SAC with SAC Service can secure long‑term employment guarantees, stating “When it comes to the future of 700 workers and their families, the silence is deafening.”

In Sardinia, the proposed sale of the publicly‑run Cagliari‑Mameli Airport to the F2i Ligantia fund has raised similar concerns. Business associations, trade unions and the Court of Auditors, which dismissed the deal in 2023 for lack of transparency, claim the transfer “is against the interest of Sardinians.” The airport, still owned by the regional public entity Sogaer and the Chamber of Commerce, would see F2i acquire a 50.25% controlling stake, prompting calls for a transparent and accountable process.