Naples, €250 million for Capodichino: this will make the airport an "intercontinental city airport."

Naples – A second terminal dedicated to non-Schengen flights, a completely revamped road system, direct connections to the subway, and a major urban redevelopment project. This is the roadmap outlined in the new Master Plan for Naples Capodichino Airport, approved by ENAC (Italian National Aviation Authority), which calls for over €250 million in investments by 2035 (€230 million of which will come from private sources) and the acquisition of approximately 170 square meters of new land.

The goal is to transform the Naples airport into a cutting-edge intercontinental city airport, increasingly efficient and perfectly integrated into the urban fabric.

The main interventions: from the new terminal to the airport hotel

The Plan will radically transform Capodichino. Among the key projects is the construction of a new terminal of approximately 15 square meters to handle non-Schengen flows, flanked by new aircraft parking areas and an expanded cargo-logistics area. A modern airport hotel will also be built to serve travelers.

Particular attention is paid to environmental sustainability, with over 13 million euros allocated to dedicated projects, including the construction of a new photovoltaic system.

By 2035, the Masterplan estimates sustainable traffic growth of up to 17,3 million passengers per year. This goal will be achieved without increasing the airport's hourly capacity: the difference will be made by using larger aircraft, improving flight load rates, and optimizing flight schedules, capable of redistributing traffic to lower-traffic periods.

Traffic and greenery revolution for the neighborhood

One of the project's strengths is the integration between the flying infrastructure and the city. Traffic will be redefined thanks to a ring road and a second exit onto Viale Umberto Maddalena, designed to ease traffic in the area.

The undergrounding of Viale Maddalena will reclaim large areas currently used for cars, returning them to the community in the form of green spaces, public areas, and direct cycle/pedestrian paths between the neighborhood, the subway network, and the airport.

The roadmap: two phases with a target of 2027

The implementation of the Masterplan will be divided into two macro-phases:

By 2029: Consolidation and modernization of existing facilities (redevelopment of the track, junctions, and aprons) and initial restyling of the road system, with priority interventions planned for March 2027, also in view of the America's Cup regattas.

By 2035: Completion of strategic works, with the entry into operation of the intercontinental terminal, the cargo area, the hotel and the new definitive road system.

The reactions of the institutions

"This Masterplan redesigns the future of the airport and, at the same time, completes a major urban regeneration project for the neighborhood and for Naples," commented Campania Region President Roberto Fico, emphasizing the Region's commitment to accessibility and mobility projects.

For Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, recent developments have helped consolidate the city's international reach: "Modernization efforts were needed to provide the European capital with a capable and increasingly functional airport."

Satisfaction was also expressed by ENAC's top management. Special Commissioner Carlo Mearelli noted that Capodichino remains "one of the main gateways to the Mediterranean," included in the National Airport Plan's sustainable development strategy. Director General Alexander D'Orsogna finally highlighted "the excellent teamwork between ENAC and the management company, capable of combining operational efficiency, quality for passengers, and respect for the environment."