Verona International Airport
Verona International Airport is located in Northern Italy, amidst the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, Rovigo, Vicenza, Trento, Bolzano and Verona, and serves a large population of over four million people. It is also positioned only 5 km (3.1 miles) to the southwest Verona city itself. The main roads surrounding the airport are the highways of A4 and A22.
Verona Airport is referred to by various names. Its official name may be considered as Valerio Catullo di Verona Villafranca, but is often more simply called Verona-Villafranca. The airport’s address is Aeroporto Valerio Catullo di Verona Villafranca S.p.A, I-37060 Caselle di Sommacampagna, Verona, Italy. The airport’s telephone number is +39 (0)45 809 5666, and fax number is +39 (0)45 861 9074. Its dedicated IATA airport code is VRN, and its ICAO code is LIPN.
Verona-Villafranca has two airport terminal buildings, one dedicated to departures, and the other to arrivals. The Arrivals terminal is a single level construction which is divided into Domestic arrivals, Schengen arrivals and international arrivals. It is a well equipped terminal, with offices for lost and found items, information and customs’ procedures. Outside the Arrivals terminal there are shuttle buses and taxi services. The Departures terminal is a double-story building, where the ground floor is divided into pre- and post-security areas, and the first floor offers various amenities, including the business lounge, restaurants, cafes and a waiting room. The ground floor of the Departures terminal features amenities such as a first-aid station, a bank and ATM cash machines, nursery, pharmacy and internet points.
Verona Airport has grown considerably over the years, both in terms of construction and in terms of passenger numbers. The airport started out as a military airport for the Second World War. During the 1960’s it began civil traffic flights, with daily connections to Rome, as well as other flights to the North of Europe. Facilities of the airport were improved during the 1970’s, and in December 1978, it fell under the management of “Aeroporto Valerio Catullo di Verona Villafranca Spa”, as well as being partially owned by the Villafranca and Sommacampagna Municipalities, the provinces of Trento, Brescia and Bolzano, and other local bodies.
At this time Verona Airport had only one terminal building, and it was expanded in order to cope with the constantly increasing numbers of traffic in 1990. The aircraft apron and car parking areas were also improved and enlarged. Verona Airport hit the one million passengers per annum mark in 1995, and by 2001, the numbers had increased to over two million. In 2006 three million passengers passed through the airport. It was also in 2006 that the new Arrivals terminal was completed, which immediately doubled the airport’s terminal capacity capabilities. Even though more space was now available in the Departures terminal, it was also expanded by 3000 square meters. Verona Airport now handles over three and half million passengers per year.
Verona Airport also features a highly sophisticated fog dispersal system/device, and it is actually the best of its kind in Italy and abroad. This device makes flying possible in low visibility scenarios, and allows for Category IIIB operation of up to 75 m (246 ft) visibility.
Business travelers will find Verona Airport meets all their needs and expectations. It features the exclusive Catullo Lounge, which is open to all passengers with a business class ticket or those who are considered as frequent flyers. It offers the perfect environment to relax for a moment, or continue with work from the WiFi internet connection. There is also an innovative technological meeting room, which is equipped with WiFi connections, tables, personal computers and high-speed internet access. Business lunches can be arranged in the ‘Free fly Verona’ Restaurant and Café, where it is possible to reserve your own room. Valuable time is even saved when checking in for your flight, as Verona Airport offers a reserved check-in area (express service) for all business-class passengers, fidelity card “For you” passengers and frequent flyer card holders.
Verona Airport is not only well equipped to handle passenger flights, but also to manage the transportation of cargo. The Cargo Center of the Valerio Catullo Airport controls both the national and international goods that pass through the airport’s cargo facilities. It has a full customs service and a temporary storage area for goods. The Cargo Center features lifting platforms, mobile footboards, and pits for loading and weighting equipment.
Verona-Villafranca maintains various company shareholders. The largest shareholder, with 20.145% is CCIAA Verona, and the second largest is Provincia Trento, with 18.356%. Other major shareholders include Provincia Verona, Comune di Verona, Provincia Bolzano and CCIAA Brescia.