Sardinia airport merger faces investigation and criticism

The Guardia di Finanza, acting on behalf of the regional Prosecutor of the Court of Auditors, has acquired documentation regarding the proposed merger of Sardinia’s three main airports: Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia, and Alghero.

Michele Pais, a member of the Lega party and former President of the Regional Council, has criticized the operation, questioning its benefits for the Sardinian people. He expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the deal and the role of public interest in the future governance of the airport network.

Pais highlighted financial discrepancies, questioning why the Region would invest 30 million euros to acquire only a 9.25% stake in the future holding company. He noted that this investment does not appear to adequately recognize the more than 200 million euros the Region has invested in the Sardinian airport system over the years. He warned that the current structure risks placing control and direction primarily in private hands while the public sector provides the resources.