Aerial reconnaissance photo of Comiso airfield in Sicily, Italy taken on 15 June 1943 during World War II — A detailed aerial reconnaissance image showing the Comiso airfield located in Sicily, Italy as of 15 June 1943, providing historical insight into military infrastructure during World War II.

Peace march in Comiso on October 11, 1981 with activists holding banners and signs — Photograph of the Peace March in Comiso, Italy on October 11, 1981, showing activists advocating for nuclear disarmament with visible banners and signs.

Destroyed German Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber at Comiso airfield Sicily Italy July 25 1943 — A destroyed German Junkers Ju 87 (Stuka) dive bomber after being shot down by the 400th CAAA Battalion over Comiso airfield in Sicily, Italy on July 25, 1943. The aircraft mistakenly landed on an Axis field and was engaged by soldiers. Graves of the two Axis aviators are visible in the foreground.

Supermarine Spitfire Mark V fighters of No. 243 Squadron RAF being maintained at Comiso, Sicily, during World War II — World War II image of Supermarine Spitfire Mark V aircraft of No. 243 Squadron Royal Air Force under maintenance at Comiso airfield, Sicily, 1942-1945, with a Messerschmitt Bf 109G abandoned in the background.

Temporary flight office of an RAF squadron sheltered under Fiesler Storch wing in Comiso Sicily 1942-1945 — Historic image of a Royal Air Force temporary flight office at work under the wing of an abandoned Fiesler Storch aircraft, Comiso, Sicily during 1942-1945 in Italy, Balkans and Southeast Europe.

RAF pilots inspecting abandoned Messerschmitt Bf 109G at Comiso, Sicily during WWII — Pilots of No. 43 Squadron RAF inspect an abandoned Messerschmitt Bf 109G of 6/JG53 at Comiso, Sicily during the Royal Air Force operations in Italy, the Balkans, and South-east Europe from 1942 to 1945.

Wireless fitters of No. 3201 Servicing Commando repairing radio equipment in a trench at Comiso, Sicily during World War II with a Supermarine Spitfire Mark V of No. 243 Squadron RAF taxiing — Wireless fitters of No. 3201 Servicing Commando repairing radio equipment in a trench at Comiso, Sicily during World War II while a Supermarine Spitfire Mark V of No. 243 Squadron RAF taxis out for a sortie, illustrating RAF operations in Italy, the Balkans and South-east Europe from 1942 to 1945.

Royal Air Force Armourers of No. 3201 Servicing Commando working from improvised cover at Comiso, Sicily during World War II — Historical black and white image showing Royal Air Force Armourers of No. 3201 Servicing Commando working under improvised cover by the perimeter track at Comiso, Sicily, during 1942-1945 in Italy, the Balkans, and South-east Europe.

Supermarine Spitfires of No. 111 Squadron RAF being maintained at Comiso, Sicily during 1942-1945 — Supermarine Spitfires of No. 111 Squadron Royal Air Force undergoing maintenance at Comiso airfield in Sicily during World War II, 1942-1945. The foreground aircraft is a Mark IXE model 'JU-R', with other Mark VC aircraft visible.

Comiso Airport

Comiso Airport, officially Vincenzo Magliocco Airport, is an aviation hub in southeastern Sicily serving the provinces of Ragusa and Siracusa and parts of Catania. It is 5 km from Comiso and 15 km from Ragusa, and also serves nearby towns such as Vittoria and Gela. The airport is one of Sicily’s four main airports and is intended to ease congestion at Catania and Palermo, provide redundancy during emergencies, and support “territorial continuity” and access to air travel for remote regions (Excursions Sicily; Aeroporti2030; European Parliament).

Its location near UNESCO-listed Baroque towns, beaches and natural attractions—including Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and the Vendicari Nature Reserve—makes it a gateway for visitors to southeastern Sicily. The airport also supports regional tourism, local industries, residents and businesses (Excursions Sicily).

History

Established in 1939 as a military airbase, the airport was named for Major General Vincenzo Magliocco, described as the first Sicilian general in the Italian Air Force. Its strategic location made it valuable to both Axis and Allied forces during the Second World War (Excursions Sicily; The Flight Club).

The airport remained under military control after the war. In the early 1980s, NATO selected it as a base for Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs), bringing economic impact and international attention. The 1987 INF Treaty led to the missiles’ removal and the base’s eventual military decommissioning.

After a period of dormancy, Comiso reopened in 2013 as a civilian airport, with modernized facilities and a new role serving business and tourism in Ragusa province (The Flight Club).

What to see and airport facilities

The airport has a modern terminal with automated check-in kiosks, baggage handling and security screening. Its runway is 2,538 metres long, and its facilities have supported significant seasonal traffic (Italian Airport Guide). Although it is not yet a “smart airport,” it has a foundation for potential future upgrades, including digital passenger services and sustainable practices (Fly With Courage).

The airport is designed for domestic and limited international flights. Several low-cost carriers have provided connections to major Italian and European cities. In 2025, reports described both annual passenger numbers of around 500,000 and periods of inactivity with zero flights and zero passengers (CAPA News Briefs; European Parliament).

A €47 million development programme is intended to expand and upgrade the airport’s facilities (CAPA News Briefs). Ongoing investments and discussions with low-cost carriers are among the opportunities identified for revitalization, alongside challenges such as competition from larger airports, limited intermodal connections and underutilization (European Parliament).

The airport has faced challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural events such as Mount Etna’s eruptions (International Airport Review). During the June 2025 eruption, it maintained operations with minimal delays (Tempo.co). A new Airport Emergency Plan (PEA), adopted in March 2025, is intended to improve preparedness and coordination for natural disasters (ENAC Ordinanza 01/2025).

Practical visiting information

Airport hours Generally 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Hours may vary by season and airline schedules.
Flight tickets Available online through airline websites, from travel agencies, or at airport ticket counters.
Transport Taxis and car rentals are available at the terminal. Shuttle and regional buses connect Comiso with Ragusa and nearby towns, but services are limited and operate infrequently. There is no direct rail connection.
Accessibility Facilities include accessible restrooms, wheelchair access and assistance for travelers with disabilities. Improvement plans include enhancing public transport links and overall accessibility.

Tips for travelers

Check official airport and airline websites for current flight information, as schedules may change.
Arrange taxis or car rentals in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Notify the airport in advance if you require special assistance.

Nearby places

Comiso Castle

Castello di Comiso is a medieval fortress in the centre of Comiso, a short distance from the airport. Dating to the 14th century, it was built during Aragonese rule. Its features include stone walls, battlements and towers, and it reflects the region’s changing architectural styles and history.

Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.
Tickets Approximately €5 for adults, with discounts for children, students and seniors.
Guided tours Available daily; advance booking is recommended.
Accessibility Ramps and assistance are available for visitors with reduced mobility.

Other nearby sights

Church of San Biagio A Baroque church in the centre of Comiso.
Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage Baroque towns.
Hyblaean Mountains A popular area for hiking.
Ragusa, Modica and Scicli Baroque towns within reach of the airport.
Marina di Ragusa A seaside resort with beaches and restaurants.
Vendicari Nature Reserve A natural attraction in the region.

Cathedral of Syracuse

The Duomo di Siracusa, in Ortigia, Syracuse, was originally a Greek temple and features layers of Sicilian history and Baroque architecture.

Opening hours 8:30 AM–7:00 PM daily, subject to change.
Admission Free for the main areas; €3–5 for the crypt or archaeological sections.
Guided tours Available in multiple languages.

More information is available from the official Syracuse tourism website.

FAQ

What are Comiso Airport’s operating hours?
It is generally open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, but hours can vary.

How do I buy flight tickets?
Tickets are available online through airline websites, from travel agencies, or at airport counters.

Is the airport accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Yes. Wheelchair access and assistance are available.

What are the main attractions near Comiso Airport?
Nearby attractions include the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Scicli, and the beaches of Marina di Ragusa.

What airlines operate from Comiso?
Several low-cost carriers have operated connections to major Italian and European cities.