Catania Airport

Although Catania is only the second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, its airport, Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, is the island's busiest. It is also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, in honour of the composer who was born in the city.

In 2022, its annual traffic was estimated at over 10 million travellers. Located at the southernmost point of Europe, Sicily is only separated from North Africa by a narrow stretch of sea. While it does offer some flights to North Africa and the Middle East, Catania Airport primarily handles European flights.

The status of Catania Airport

As part of Italian territory, Sicily is fully subject to European law. This applies to Catania Airport.

Its operations are therefore governed by European law, including the well-known Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and air passenger rights in Europe

This regulation grants a number of rights to air passengers, and imposes obligations on airlines.

This regulation applies to any flight departing from the European Community area. This includes Catania Airport. For flights to Catania, it will depend on:

where your flight originated
and most importantly, which airline transported you.

Your rights at Catania Airport

The traffic handled at Catania Airport is mainly European. Connections with the United Kingdom, North Africa, and the Middle East are exceptions.

If your flight originates from the latter two regions, it will be subject to their respective laws. It is not covered by European law. If you arrive from London, you are likely to have flown with British Airways or EasyJet. British law applies in this case. It includes a regulation equivalent to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, known as UK261.

European and British law ensure you the following rights.

The right to be transported to your destination

If you arrive on time for boarding and your documents are in order, the airline must take you to your destination. If they fail to do so, they must offer you a re-routing solution as soon as possible.

The right to assistance in case of additional expenses

A significant delay may lead to additional expenses (such as a meal or a hotel stay). The airline must cover your costs. You are also entitled to two phone calls.

The right to a refund, under certain conditions

In the event of a delay of more than 5 hours, flight cancellation, or overbooking, you have the right to a refund. This refund is possible if none of the re-routing solutions offered are satisfactory to you.

Note: accepting a refund means forfeiting your flight and any other assistance.

The right to compensation

European and British regulations provide a compensation scheme if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.

If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, you may be entitled to a fixed compensation. The amount ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of your flight and its status.

In the event of a cancellation, the same scheme applies, but compensation may be due from the outset. However, the amount is reduced if the delay does not exceed certain limits.

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, the same scheme as for cancellations applies.

right to compensation at catania airport

Have you experienced a flight disruption at Catania Airport? You may be entitled to compensation

Did you travel through Catania Airport and experience a delay, flight cancellation, or overbooking?

You may be eligible for a fixed compensation. Want to claim it? Delayed can help you do so.