Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport has unveiled a new arrivals terminal, marking the completion of the first phase of an ambitious 80 million euro expansion and refurbishment programme aimed at increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience.
The inauguration comes amid strong growth for the Tuscan airport. September 2026 was its busiest September on record, with 664,000 passengers, up 10.6 per cent year on year. In the first nine months of the year, passenger numbers exceeded five million for the first time, rising 6.6% compared with the same period in 2025.
The ceremony featured a surprise appearance by tenor Andrea Bocelli, who performed the Italian national anthem and his signature song Con te partirò.
A new terminal dedicated to arrivals
Covering 7,100 square metres, the new building is designed exclusively for arriving passengers and features a 300 kW photovoltaic system on its roof. Following the inauguration, the terminal will undergo the necessary testing and commissioning before entering service.
Once arrivals have moved into the new building, the existing 8,280 square metre terminal will gradually be converted into a dedicated departures area. The separation of arriving and departing passengers is a central element of the redevelopment, designed to streamline airport operations and accommodate growing traffic.
The third and final phase will focus on renovating the current departures terminal, covering approximately 3,680 square metres on the ground floor. On the first floor, the existing passport control area will be removed to make room for an expanded boarding hall serving non-Schengen destinations.
The redevelopment is expected to bring the airport’s annual capacity to between six and seven million passengers. Plans also include new food and retail outlets, alongside improvements in digital services, passenger comfort and environmental sustainability.
The 80 million euro programme, entirely financed by airport operator Toscana Aeroporti, represents the largest investment ever made at Pisa Airport. Construction will continue in stages, with completion scheduled for 2028.
