The 50th G7 Summit will be held from June 13-15, 2024, in  Borgo Egnazia, a resort in Fasano, Puglia, Italy. This event is expected to bring significant business aviation traffic to the region. Here’s what you need to know if you’re operating a business jet to the Summit or will be in Italy during this period, which overlaps with peak summer season.

A panorama looking down onto the town of Fasano, Puglia southern Italy. The town is surrounded by Olive Groves, leading down to the coast and the Adriatic Sea in the distance. The A14, sometimes known as the E55, motorway crosses from left to right just outside Fasano.

About the G7 Summit

The G7 summit is an annual meeting of leaders from seven advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They discuss global issues, including economic policy, security, climate change, and development. The group was formed in 1975 as the G6 and Canada joined the following year. The European Union began attending in 1977. The summit is hosted in a rotating manner.

Current Airport Capacity Issues in Italy

Summer Peak Season has already begun in Italy, creating significant congestion in the country, particularly in the South. Universal Aviation Italy is reporting more parking issues than in previous years.

Finding parking for even one overnight is proving difficult. Only a few Italian airports, such as Milan and Albia, are accepting long-term parking.

Airport Options

Milan is the best option for long-term parking due to current airport congestion throughout the country.

For aircraft operations in Puglia during the G7 summit and the summer season, here are our Universal Aviation Italy team’s insights and recommendations:

• Closest Airports to the event: Bari Airport (LIBD) (38 miles) and Brindisi Airport (LIBR) (33 miles) are closest to the G7 event location. However, they are only available for quick turnarounds and short-term operations.
• Alternative/Repositioning Airport: Consider using Foggia Airport (LIBF) (104 miles) as an alternative. LIBF has ample parking space, even for larger aircraft. From LIBF, we can arrange helicopter transfers to and from other airports in the region.
• Additional Airport Options:
  • Olbia Airport (LIEO): Suitable for drop-and-go operations with good services and plenty of parking space.
  • Trapani Airport (LICT): Not far from Puglia and may have parking availability.
  • Pescara Airport (LIBP): Available for consideration on a case-by-case basis.
  • Lamezia Terme Airport (LICA): Another viable option for parking.
• Long-Term Parking: For long-term parking, we suggest using airports in the north of Italy:
  • Milan Linate Airport (LIML)
  • Milan Malpensa Airport (LIMC)
  • Genoa Airport (LIMJ)

Our Milan Destination Guide has more. For detailed information on all airports, check out Feasibility-IQ.

Schengen Suspended in Italy

Because of the G7 Summit in Italy from June 13-15, the Schengen agreement for border and immigration control will be temporarily paused from June 5 at 2:00 PM until June 18 at 2:00 PM. During this period, border and immigration checks will be done for passengers on all international flights arriving and departing from Italy.

Zika Reminder

Universal Aviation Italy reports that the Italian Health Authorities need either a certificate showing your aircraft has been treated for pests or a declaration that it hasn’t flown to any countries affected by Zika or Aedes Agypti mosquitoes in the last 28 days. Our blog has more Zika information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the G7 summit will result in heavy restrictions at airports in the region, including those closest to the event in Puglia. Operators should prepare for drop-and-go operations and find long-term parking in the North of the country during the summit period. The restrictions may include limited parking availability, changes to flight schedules, and other security measures. By working with a trusted local partner like Universal Aviation Italy, operators can navigate these restrictions and ensure successful operations during this busy period.