What changed
2026-08-10 10:41 UTC → 2026-08-27 17:14 UTC ·
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In mid‑May 2026 By late July 2026, the Italian government opened a tender to sell a majority stake in privatization of SAC, the public‑sector operator of Catania Fontanarossa and Comiso airports. airports, moved into a new phase. The proposal triggered political debate, deadline extensions, and first stage concluded with the activation selection of the “Golden Power” safeguard for non‑EU bidders. Unions warned that up a preferred economic operator, leading to 700 jobs could be at risk, while Sardinian politicians opposed the National Airport Plan a second phase that links the island’s three airports. By mid‑June fourteen consortia—including Vinci, Royal Schiphol, Aena, Fraport and 2i Aeroporti—had submitted admitted ten qualified firms to submit bids and the documentation phase began. The plan also introduced a chapter on advanced aerial mobility (AAM), proposing urban and airport‑based vertiports in major cities and sub‑orbital facilities at Taranto‑Grottaglie. In July, the “Patto per la Sicilia Orientale” was signed by eight unions, consumer groups and municipalities, demanding transparent, legally compliant terms for the SAC sale and presenting a protocol at a 23 July press conference. The Democratic Party criticised concession. Amidst this, the process, noting that private shareholders already hold over 60 % of SAC and warning of governance gaps Mpa-Grande Catania movement and job externalisation. The same coalition lodged CISAL Catania union called for transparency, a petition with the European Parliament’s PETI committee, seeking an EU‑level review of competition, state‑aid and consumer‑protection aspects of the privatisation. By late July, the “Patto per la Sicilia Orientale” lodged an access‑to‑documents request with the Chamber of Commerce, demanding that the legally required rationalisation plan “golden share” for strategic control, and technical‑economic justification be made public before any share transfer. Local criticism also targeted the silence of Catania Mayor Trantino following his appearance before the regional Assembly's commission. In early August, debate to ensure regional development and worker protections. Political pressure intensified in August. Regional deputy Lidia Adorno of the Five Star Movement submitted an inquiry to President Renato Schifani, calling for demanding independent valuations and clear selection criteria for the sale of this critical infrastructure. Concurrently, Simultaneously, the “Patto per la Sicilia Orientale” presented a five-point agenda to the Syracuse Provincial Council. This motion, supported by councilor Giuseppe Stefi, urged the Libero Consorzio Comunale di Siracusa to provide all relevant documents, including an independent appraisal of assets, industrial plans, and investment commitments, while specifically protecting the role of Comiso Airport. Concerns regarding the marginalization of Comiso’s ‘Pio La Torre’ airport also emerged. CISAL Catania warned that the facility faces “operational and managerial isolation,” alleging that SAC’s management prioritizes Catania’s ‘Vincenzo Bellini’ airport. The union highlighted a lack of concrete investment and delays in utilizing 47 million euros in EU-released FSC funds intended for cargo and logistics development, fearing Comiso may be relegated to an emergency-only site.