Brescia’s D’Annunzio Airport Eyes Revival with New Airlines and Strategies

The «Gabriele D’Annunzio» airport in Montichiari, operated by the «Valerio Catullo» of Verona, is expected to regain activity. This is the belief of provincial Transportation Councillor Vigilio Bettinsoli, despite the fact that just a few days ago, Air Dolomiti, the sole provider of domestic flights, announced that it would cease flights from the Brescia airport starting tomorrow.

«There is no doubt: the goal of 300,000 passengers set for 2001 – says Bettinsoli – remains achievable for the Brescia airport, despite the recent difficulties with Air Dolomiti’s decision: a choice that is frankly difficult to understand, considering that the flights are very popular and the planes are always full».

Revitalization Strategies

To revive the «D’Annunzio», the assessor believes two operations are needed. «First of all, it is necessary to find another airline that guarantees flights to the capital. On this front, Catullo of Verona is in negotiations with Volare Airlines: the solution should materialize in the short term, as assured by the president of the Verona-based airport, Ferdinando Sanson.

Additionally, it is time for the creation of a dedicated company for managing Montichiari to finally take place. Too much time has already been lost».

The Role of Unions and Future Prospects

The «D’Annunzio» airport continues to receive support from the relevant union, which, however, now faces an emergency situation. «Airport management has confirmed that the loss of flights to Rome will not impact the 35 employees at the airport», explains Claudio Lonati, general secretary of the Transport union of Cisl Brescia.

During an assembly on Wednesday, we will nonetheless formulate a specific holiday plan that considers the reduced operational capacity of the facility. Montichiari has significant potential; it is a strategic airport. Now is the time for Catullo to stop treating it as a backup».