Pantelleria Airport

Pantelleria Airport (IATA code: PNL) is the main gateway to one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating and unconventional islands — a volcanic island in the province of Trapani that has managed to preserve its authentic character, free from mass tourism. The airport is located at Margana, on a promontory near the island’s centre, approximately 4 km from Pantelleria town, the main settlement. The journey by car takes just a few minutes along Via San Nicola and Via Madonna della Margana.

The airport is operated by G.A.P. S.p.A. Year-round territorial continuity flights connect Pantelleria daily with Trapani and Palermo, and weekly with Catania, all operated by DAT VoliSicilia. For those not already in Sicily, these are the natural transit hubs. From May to October, the airport offers seasonal direct flights from major Italian cities — including Milan, Rome, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Bergamo and Perugia — operated by carriers such as ITA Airways, Volotea and HelloFly. As an alternative to flying, daily ferries depart from Trapani with Siremar, a crossing of approximately two and a half hours, particularly useful if you want to bring your own vehicle to the island.

Getting to the centre from Pantelleria Airport

Pantelleria Airport is well connected to the town centre and the island’s main villages via several transport options. Given the island’s layout — a scenic road circling the perimeter with paths leading inland — having your own car or a rental vehicle remains the most convenient option for exploring the area freely.

Bus

Local public transport connects the airport to Pantelleria town centre and several village areas. Bus services to and from the airport are managed by Marsala Travel Bus and operate according to major flight arrival and departure times. Active routes include a direct service to the centre, as well as routes serving the villages of Buccuram, Sibà, Kamma, Tracino, Scauri and Rekale. The service is convenient for those staying along route-covered areas, whilst more remote destinations will require alternative transport. Up-to-date timetables are displayed at the airport and can be checked via local information services.

Taxi and Private Hire

Taxi and private hire services (NCC — noleggio con conducente) are available at the arrivals exit and can be booked in advance by telephone or through local company websites. It’s the most straightforward option for reaching anywhere on the island without delays, especially recommended if you have lots of luggage or are staying in areas not served by buses. Some car hire firms on the island also offer taxi services: it’s worth contacting them in advance to confirm availability and rates.

Hotel Shuttles

Many accommodation options in Pantelleria — particularly dammusi and exclusive holiday homes — offer guests a private airport shuttle service. If you’ve booked accommodation on the island, it’s always worth checking this option when making your reservation: it’s often included in your stay or available at a reasonable cost, and it eliminates any need for logistical planning upon arrival.

Car and Scooter Hire

Exiting the arrivals section, you’ll find the car hire desk on the left, where several local companies offer car and scooter rentals directly at the airport. Operators include Autonoleggio Consolo, Autonoleggio Mehari, Autonoleggio Policardo, Blu Car and PantelRent. Hiring a vehicle upon arrival is the most popular choice among Pantelleria visitors, as the island is practically entirely road-accessible and having your own transport makes a considerable difference. During peak season, it’s highly advisable to book your rental in advance, as availability runs out quickly.

To rent a car in Pantelleria we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Pantelleria Airport.