An incredible 86 countries have direct flights to Italy, with more routes being added in 2026. Many head to the capital Rome, but in total there are 37 Italian airports receiving international passengers, offering house buyers opportunities to discover properties in every corner of the country.
Buyers from the UK are spoilt for choice. There are an amazing 29 airports in Italy that receive direct flights from the UK. (Each of these I have listed below). Wherever you touch down, you can easily continue your journey on to explore other areas, as 40 Italian airports offer domestic flights and there are also good train services between cities.
Travelling from afar
Those travelling to Italy on long haul flights mostly opt to arrive in Rome or Milan, but other routes are becoming available, such as New York to Bari, Puglia. Rome and Milan are major European hubs, but London is another option for catching connecting flights to the smaller Italian airports.
Increase in passengers
According to fresh data published by the Italian Civil Aviation authority (ENAC) over 229 million passengers came through Italian airports in 2025, up 5% on the previous year. Rome Fiumicino received the largest piece of that pizza, with 51 million passengers. Even the smaller regional airports such as Rimini, Pescara and Trieste have been welcoming many visitors from abroad.
Year-round flights
Due to the popularity of winter sports, outstanding art cities, amazing countryside and favourable weather you can fly to most regions of Italy all year round. A big draw this winter is the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics (6–22 Feb).
Many winter sports enthusiasts will be flying in to Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Venice Marco Polo airports to experience the excitement of watching it live. Not forgetting that the ice hockey and skating is being held in Milan itself.
Even without the Olympics, both Milan and the Alpine areas attract thousands of tourists all year round. From the fashionable city streets to the beautiful chalets, villages, scenery and fresh mountain air.
New direct routes from the UK (2026)
For UK-based buyers, the connectivity is exceptional. Several airlines have announced new schedules for 2026. Note that some of these are seasonal, catering to the summer buyer, while others offer year-round access.
| Departure Airport | Italian Destination | Airline | Start Date / Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Rome Fiumicino | EasyJet | March 2026 (Year-round) |
| Liverpool | Naples | EasyJet | Aug 3 – Oct 23 (Mon/Fri) |
| Newcastle | Palermo | Jet2 | From May 26 (Summer) |
| Newcastle | Rome | EasyJet | From March 30 |
| London Stansted | Olbia (Sardinia) | BA CityFlyer | May 23 – Sept 27 |
| Edinburgh | Milan Malpensa | Ryanair | From March 30 |
| Bristol | Bari (Puglia) | EasyJet | April 18 – Oct 17 (Tue/Sat) |
| Manchester | Bari (Puglia) | EasyJet | July 3 – Oct 16 (Mon/Fri) |
| Glasgow | Pisa | EasyJet | From August 2026 |
Where to fly: A regional breakdown
If you are property hunting, matching your search area to the nearest airport is a smart first step. Here is where you can fly direct from the UK.
Northern Italy
The north is the industrial and financial heartland, but also home to the Lakes and the Dolomites.
| Destination | UK Departure Points | Best For Properties In… |
|---|---|---|
| Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo) | 10+ UK Airports | Lake Como, Maggiore, Garda, Milan city. |
| Venice Treviso | London, Nottingham, B’ham | Venice, The Dolomites, Prosecco Hills. |
| Verona | 10+ UK Airports | Lake Garda, Verona city, vineyards. |
| Turin | London | The Alps (skiing), Piedmont wine country. |
| Trieste | London | Friuli-Venezia Giulia, border country. |
| Genoa | London, Manchester | Liguria, Cinque Terre, Portofino. |
| Bolzano | London Gatwick (SkyAlps) | South Tyrol, The Dolomites. |
Central Italy
The classic choice for culture, history, and rolling landscapes.
| Destination | UK Departure Points | Best For Properties In… |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (Fiumicino/Ciampino) | 10+ UK Airports | Lazio, Rome city, Abruzzo borders. |
| Pisa | 7 UK Airports | Tuscany, Florence (1hr), Lucca. |
| Florence | London, Edinburgh | Tuscany, Chianti, Val d’Orcia. |
| Bologna | London, Edin., Man. | Emilia-Romagna, Ravenna, Modena. |
| Perugia | London | Umbria (Assisi, Spello, Todi). |
| Ancona | London | Le Marche, Conero Riviera. |
| Pescara | London | Abruzzo coast and mountains. |
Southern Italy & Islands
Offering better value for money and a warmer climate, the south is increasingly popular with international buyers.
| Destination | UK Departure Points | Best For Properties In… |
|---|---|---|
| Naples | 7 UK Airports | Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii. |
| Salerno | London Stansted | Cilento Coast, Southern Amalfi. |
| Bari | Edin., Bristol, London | Northern Puglia (Trulli country). |
| Brindisi | Manchester, London | Southern Puglia (Salento beaches). |
| Lamezia Terme | London, Manchester | Calabria (Tropea). |
| Palermo (Sicily) | 6 UK Airports | West Sicily, Cefalù. |
| Catania (Sicily) | 6 UK Airports | East Sicily, Taormina, Etna. |
| Olbia (Sardinia) | London, Man., Bristol | Costa Smeralda. |
Transatlantic travel: Flights from the USA
American interest in Italian property has surged, aided by the strength of the dollar. In response, carriers are adding significant capacity for 2026.
Currently, 16 major US airports fly direct to Italy. While Rome remains the primary hub, new routes are opening up regional Italy to American buyers without the need for a connection in London or Frankfurt.
New US Routes for 2026:
- Seattle to Rome: Alaska Airlines (Seasonal, starts April 28).
- New York (JFK) to Olbia: Delta (Starts May 20).
- New York to Catania: Delta (April 14 – Oct 4).
- Newark to Bari: United (Seasonal, starts May 1).
- Miami to Milan: American Airlines (Year-round from March 29).
- Houston to Rome: ITA Airways (Seasonal, starts May 1).
- Chicago to Naples: American Airlines (Resumes May).
Practicalities: Visas and entry rules
When planning your viewing trip, it is vital to know where you stand regarding entry rules.
The 90-Day Rule Since Brexit, UK citizens join Americans, Australians, and Canadians as “third-country nationals.” You can stay in Italy (and the wider Schengen Zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. This applies to tourists and second-home owners alike, unless you have residency.
To avoid overstaying, we recommend using a “Schengen Calculator” app. Simply input your entry and exit dates to track your remaining allowance.
ETIAS is coming The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the latter half of 2026. This is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorisation similar to the American ESTA. It will be a requirement for visa-exempt travellers entering Italy.
Next steps
If you are planning a trip to view properties in 2026, preparation is key.
- Book early: Prices for 2026 routes will be most competitive when first released.
- Check the currency: If you are buying, flight costs are small change compared to property prices. Protect your budget from exchange rate volatility by speaking to a specialist like Smart Currency Exchange.
- Download a guide: For detailed information on the buying process,
Download the Italy Buying Guide
Frequently asked questions
If you are going to be travelling to countryside and village locations I’d recommend hiring a car from the airport. There are many car hire companies, so competition keeps prices low. Look on a comparison website. If travelling into a city, there are usually buses, trains and taxis available to that connect to those. If considering buying a city property without a car, research how far out of town the airport is and travel times.
Citizens from the European Union, Schengen Area and many other countries are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A list of those other countries can be found on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. (Ministero degli Affari Esteri). This list includes The United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada.
Use the official European Commission Short-Stay Calculator or apps such as “Schengen Calculator 90/180”. You simply input your past and planned entry/exit dates, it will then apply a rolling 180-day window to track your used days and tell you how many days you have remaining.
ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS is expected to start operating in the last quarter of 2026. For information visit the official ETIAS website.
A total of 143 airlines offer direct flights to Italy, including 33 low-cost carriers. Ryanair, ITA Airways and Wizz Air Malta cover most of the winter flights.
From the UK: Ryanair, Easyjet, ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta, British Airways.
From the USA: US airlines (American, Delta, United) and Italy’s national carrier (ITA Airways)
From Canada: Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and ITA Airways.
From Australia: Qantas.
