Falcone–Borsellino Airport

Palermo Airport (PMO), also known as Falcone–Borsellino Airport, sits 35 kilometres west of Palermo in the town of Cinisi. It is the main international gateway to western Sicily, handling over six million passengers annually. The airport is named after anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, a reminder of the region's complex history. It serves as a hub for connecting flights to smaller islands and Mediterranean destinations, while also welcoming tourists from across Europe and beyond.

Getting There

Reaching Palermo Airport from Palermo city centre is straightforward, with multiple transport options. The most convenient is the train: the Trinacria Express runs from Palermo Centrale station to Punta Raisi station, located directly beneath the terminal. The journey takes about 50 minutes to an hour, with departures every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day. A one-way ticket costs around €6. Trains operate from approximately 5:30 am to 10:30 pm, so early or late flights may require alternative transport.

Buses are another reliable option. Several companies operate shuttles between Palermo's central bus station (near Piazza Giulio Cesare) and the airport. The journey takes about 40 minutes in good traffic, and tickets cost roughly €6–7. Buses run frequently from early morning until late evening, with some services operating through the night.

Taxis and ride-hailing services offer door-to-door convenience. A taxi from Palermo city centre to the airport costs a fixed rate of around €40–50, depending on the pickup zone. The trip takes about 35–40 minutes via the A29 motorway. For those driving, Palermo Airport is well-signposted from the A29 and has a large paid parking lot directly opposite the terminal. Parking rates start at €2 per hour, with daily caps for longer stays. The airport is also accessible by car from Cinisi and surrounding towns.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Palermo Airport is a single, compact building arranged over three levels. Arrivals are on the ground floor, departures on the first floor, and a mezzanine level contains some offices and services. The layout is straightforward: after entering the departures hall, passengers find check-in desks arranged in rows, with security screening at the far end, and the boarding gates beyond. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, so expect passport control for non-Schengen destinations.

Facilities cover the basics well. The terminal has wheelchair-accessible entrances, toilets, and car parks. A baggage storage service is available on the arrivals level, useful for travellers with layovers or those exploring Palermo for a few hours. There are changing tables in the accessible toilets, and the airport provides on-site services including currency exchange, ATMs, and a small pharmacy.

Passengers will find a modest selection of shops and eateries. Duty-free shops sell perfumes, alcohol, and local products like Sicilian wine and olive oil. Cafés and fast-food outlets serve coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. The food options are adequate but not noteworthy; consider eating before arriving if you want a more substantial meal. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though connection speeds can be slow during peak hours.

The busiest times at Palermo Airport are Monday at 2 pm, Tuesday at 10 am, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 6 pm. These correspond to peak travel periods for European low-cost carriers and connecting flights. Security queues can be long during these windows, so arrive at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international.

Palermo Airport and Cinisi

Cinisi is more than just the town where the airport happens to be located. It is a place with a distinct cultural identity and a powerful story. The area lies on the northwestern coast of Sicily, with the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the rolling hills of the Palermo hinterland to the south. The landscape is characterised by rocky coastline, small beaches, and terraced farmland producing olives, citrus, and grapes.

Cinisi is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of Peppino Impastato, a journalist and activist who fought against the Mafia and was murdered in 1978. His legacy is remembered at the Casa Memoria Peppino Impastato, a museum and cultural centre housed in his family home. Visitors can learn about his life and the broader anti-mafia movement in Sicily. The centre is about a 10-minute drive from the airport, making it an accessible stop for travellers with a few hours to spare.

Beyond the history, Cinisi offers natural attractions. The nearby Capo Rama nature reserve protects a stretch of Mediterranean coastline with walking trails, limestone cliffs, and a historic watchtower. The beaches at Magaggiari and Mazzaforno are popular in summer, with clear waters and sandy shores. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood, pasta con le sarde (sardine pasta), and cannoli. The town itself is quiet and residential, with a few shops, a market, and a notable church, the Chiesa Madre di San Vito.

For many travellers, Cinisi is simply a place to pass through, but the airport's location also makes it a convenient base for exploring western Sicily. The ancient temples of Segesta and Selinunte are within an hour's drive, as is the nature reserve of Zingaro. The city of Palermo, with its markets, cathedrals, and street food, is easily reachable. The airport's smaller size means less congestion than larger Italian hubs, but it also means fewer services. Understanding Cinisi adds depth to a trip to Sicily.

Practical Information

Palermo Airport is open daily, but not 24 hours. The terminal opens around 4:30 am and closes shortly after the last flight, typically by 11:30 pm or midnight. Passengers cannot stay overnight inside the terminal, so plan your arrival accordingly. The official website (aeroportodipalermo.it) provides up-to-date flight information and parking details. The airport's phone number for general inquiries is +39 800 541 880, though calling during business hours yields the best response.

One concrete piece of advice: use the train if you are flying into or out of Palermo. It is reliable, affordable, and avoids potential traffic jams on the A29. However, if your flight departs before 6:30 am, the first train may not arrive in time, so check the schedule in advance and consider a taxi or an overnight stay near the airport.