It is not always simple for crews to schedule a flight into Naples, Italy. While passengers look forward to arriving at Naples International (LIRN) and immediately switching into Amalfi Coast mode, crews are left to sort out parking restrictions, slot approvals, catering options, and handling charges.
Many questions arise in the planning process. Will the terminal provide a slot? Where can the jet be parked for a couple of days? How is the catering? What will the handling charges add up to? Without clear answers, crews are often subjected to unnecessary repositioning and added expenses. That is where trip support providers like Icarus Jet step in, managing details, providing clarity, and giving crews peace of mind.
Naples International (LIRN): Drop-and-go only
LIRN is the principal passenger gateway but for private jets this is a turnaround airport only. Crews can:
- Land, disembark passengers, and refuel if required.
- Remain on the ground briefly for servicing.
- Leave immediately thereafter.
Multi-day parking is not possible. Naples therefore must be handled as the passenger’s, not the aircraft’s, home base airport.
Salerno (LIRI): 48 hours limit
Salerno–Costa d’Amalfi Airport is another option that can be considered. It’s closer to the coast and less crowded than Naples. Parking rules, however, are limiting:
- Maximum stay of 48 hours.
- The aircraft must move after two days.
- Functional but limited handling compared to major airports.
For journeys of more than two days, Salerno merely delays the necessity of repositioning.
Bari (LIBF): Technically operates, but not recommended for crews
Bari provides long parking, so it’s feasible for the plane. However, crews that have overnighted there report it as a lackluster place with not much to do.
- Operationally sound: Multi-day parking and reliable handling.
- Crew environment: Quiet town with limited restaurants and recreational activities.
- Impact on morale: Long stays can be insular, rendering crews less refreshed.
LIBF solves the aircraft problem but creates a crew mental health issue, which can be just as significant.
Olbia (LIEO): The solution
At Icarus Jet we suggest Olbia–Costa Smeralda Airport when managing Naples’ operations of more than two days. It achieves a good balance between crew comfort and operational reliability and is, therefore, the most sustainable option.
Operational benefits
- No slots needed, just PPR.
- Provision of fuel is available without disruption.
- Operating hours: 0700–2200 LT (0500–2000 UTC) with possible extensions.
- 24/7 General Aviation Terminal for ultimate flexibility.
- Multi-day parking with space available.
Crew comfort
Unlike Bari, Olbia is a more crew-friendly layover experience:
- Good hotels, restaurants, and leisure options nearby.
- Easy transportation connections between airport and hotel.
- A less stressful atmosphere that enables crews to rest and recover properly.
Controlling costs in Olbia
It is important for crews intending to reposition in Olbia to understand handling costs, with charges usually based on each ton of MTOW. For example, up to 5 tons for EU flights are charged at €16.31 per ton, aircraft between 10 and 20 tons are charged €25.41 per ton, and those above 34 tons pay €32.35 per ton for EU flights, with slightly higher fees applied to extra-EU operations.
Parking charges in the summer peak season (June–September) range between €0.13 and €0.25 per ton per hour, depending on aircraft category and parking duration. These structured fees provide operators with a clear picture of expected costs during busy months.
Other typical charges that often apply include GPU use at €300 per hour, drinking water service at €215, toilet service also at €215, and de-icing at €6.40 per liter. Flights that operate outside normal hours are subject to overtime fees, starting from €250 per hour for lighter aircraft and scaling upward with MTOW.
Catering in Olbia
Reliable catering is another operational consideration. At Olbia, crews can count on providers situated inside the General Aviation Terminal. Menus specialize in fresh, local Italian cuisine but also provide international options, children’s meals, and tailormade options for special diets.
Services include continental and English breakfasts, hot dishes, seafood platters, Sardinian specialties, and both VIP and crew meal boxes for quick turnaround requirements. Vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free alternatives are available on request.
There are some important policies crews should be aware of. Orders must be placed at least twelve hours in advance. Requests made within twelve hours incur a 30% surcharge, inside six hours a 50% surcharge, and inside three hours a 100% surcharge. Cancellations within twenty-four hours are charged at 50% of the order value, and within twelve hours at 100%. In addition, all orders placed in August carry a 15% seasonal surcharge due to higher demand and raw material costs.
How trip support provides an advantage
Even with a straightforward solution like offloading passengers in Naples and repositioning to Olbia, there are many moving parts. PPR approvals, catering orders, overtime extensions, handling confirmations, and fuel arrangements all need to be secured. Crews handling these efforts themselves are at risk of delay or of overlooking a detail that later causes disruption.
A trip support company such as Icarus Jet can make it easier, ensuring that everything from catering delivery to parking permissions is handled professionally. To passengers, the operation is seamless; to crews, it eliminates the stress of chasing paperwork and logistics while preparing for the next flight.
The crew checklist
- Naples (LIRN) turnarounds only – no long-term parking.
- Salerno (LIRI) provides parking for 48 hours maximum.
- Bari (LIBF) allows parking but offers little for crew morale.
- Olbia (LIEO) provides reliable parking, handling, catering, and better living conditions for crews.
- Olbia’s handling fees range from €16–32 per ton MTOW, while parking fees run up to €0.25 per ton per hour in the peak season.
- Catering needs to be ordered 12 hours ahead of time, with surcharges for last-minute or August orders.
- Trip support businesses oversee every detail, providing crews with peace of mind and assurance.
FAQs
1. Can private jets park long-term at Naples (LIRN)?
No. Due to limited space, Naples focuses on fast turnarounds alone.
2. How long can Salerno (LIRI) accommodate private jet parking?
Up to 48 hours maximum.
3. Is Bari (LIBF) suitable for repositioning?
Yes for the plane, but no for the crew. Few amenities, so uncomfortable long stay.
4. Why is Olbia (LIEO) suggested?
It has unrestricted parking, needs only PPR, enjoys reliable fuel and catering, and gives crews an improved quality of life in downtime.
5. What are the standard handling and catering costs at Olbia?
Handling ranges from €16.31 a ton for small aircraft to €32.35 a ton for larger jets, with parking fees of up to €0.25 a ton per hour during the summer. Catering needs to be ordered 12 hours ahead of time; last-minute orders double the price, and August incurs a 15% surcharge.
