Italian media is reporting that Alitalia Airlines has decided to eliminate all fights to and from the Reggio di Calabria airport effective March 27, 2017 (the beginning of the summer schedules). This concerns a total of 56 weekly flights to and from Rome FCO, Milano LIN and Torino, and represents a mortal blow to the economic viability of the airport, since only one carrier -- Blue Panorama -- will remain with very limited service to only FCO and LIN. The reason given is lack of economic sustainability, something which is becoming a greater reality for a large number of Italian domestic air routes save those to and from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. These significant cuts make the airport at Lamezia Terme by far the most important in Calabria, since Crotone has now closed and Reggio di Calabria left in a financially precarious state. I would not be surprised to see the airport close down in the future, especially if Trenitalia increases the number of Frecciargento trains.
To blame for these cuts is the high-speed train, which now connects Reggio di Calabria with Rome in less than five hours, and at lower fares. In fact, Trenitalia has 7 daily trains between Reggio and Rome: 4 Intercity taking 7.5 hours; 2 Frecciabianca taking 6.5 hours, and 1 Frecciargento taking under 5 hours. The lowest SUPER ECONOMY fares (advance purchase not exceeding four months) are 39.90 for the FA, 19.90 for the FB and 9.90 Euros for the IC.
If you think about it, paying 9.90 Euros for the train from Reggio to Rome is a drop in the bucket, considering the distance of over 700 kilometers!
The airport at Reggio Calabria was opened in 1939, and its days may be counted.
To blame for these cuts is the high-speed train, which now connects Reggio di Calabria with Rome in less than five hours, and at lower fares. In fact, Trenitalia has 7 daily trains between Reggio and Rome: 4 Intercity taking 7.5 hours; 2 Frecciabianca taking 6.5 hours, and 1 Frecciargento taking under 5 hours. The lowest SUPER ECONOMY fares (advance purchase not exceeding four months) are 39.90 for the FA, 19.90 for the FB and 9.90 Euros for the IC.
If you think about it, paying 9.90 Euros for the train from Reggio to Rome is a drop in the bucket, considering the distance of over 700 kilometers!
The airport at Reggio Calabria was opened in 1939, and its days may be counted.