Comiso
An airport with a military past and a civilian future
Comiso Airport, located near the city of Comiso and the nearby Ragusa, has a long and complex history. It was built during the fascist period and closed in the late 1990s. However, it has been revitalized in recent years and has become an important hub for civilian aviation, thanks to its conversion to civilian general aviation and cargo and its inclusion in the Sicilian regional air transport plan.
A military history
Comiso Airport was designed during the fascist regime and built between 1937 and 1939. During World War II, it was used as one of the bases for Italian attacks against the Royal Navy and Malta, operating the 9th Fighter Group and, later, the 23rd Fighter Group and the 156th Autonomous Ground Fighter Group. In 1943, it suffered heavy bombings by the Allies but was repaired and used by the Allied forces for their operations.
After the war, the airport was used as a military base by the Italian Air Force, hosting the 41st Wing of Catania from 1965 to 1973. It was also opened to civilian traffic with flights by Italian Airliners and Aero Trasporti Italiani until the early 1970s.
A NATO base
In 1981, the Spadolini I government designated the airport as a NATO military base, investing significant resources in the construction of necessary infrastructure, including storage for nuclear weapons. The base was operational from 1983 with 112 cruise missiles, but it faced numerous criticisms and protests from pacifist organizations. After the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the resulting decrease in defense needs, the base lost importance and was gradually downsized until its closure in the late 1990s.
A new life as a civilian airport
After years of abandonment, thanks to the Sicilian regional air transport plan, the airport was converted to civilian general aviation and cargo. In 2013, it was opened to civilian traffic and the following year was named after Pio La Torre. Today, Comiso Airport is one of the aeronautical centers of eastern Sicily, along with Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, with regular international and national connections.
A modern and functional airport
Comiso Airport has undergone a major transformation over the years, becoming an important infrastructure for the Sicilian territory. It has a runway of over 2,600 meters, a modern and functional terminal, parking areas for cars and buses, a cargo area, and numerous airlines that operate regular and charter flights.
An opportunity for Sicily
Comiso Airport represents a great opportunity for Sicily, both in terms of economic development and tourism. Thanks to its strategic location, it allows for quick access to some of the island's most famous tourist locations, such as Val di Noto, the southeast coast, and the enchanting island of Malta. Its conversion to civilian aviation and the numerous airlines that operate there also allow Sicilians to have a closer and more convenient airport compared to other more distant facilities.
In conclusion, Comiso Airport, with its history and transformation, represents an important resource for Sicily, offering passengers a modern and efficient service and citizens an opportunity for development for their territory and economy.
