Sardinia: Cheaper flights and more connections in 2026

The Regional Council has approved the public service charge framework for air routes to and from the island. This is a crucial measure ahead of the services conference that will lead to the new Ministerial Decree and the subsequent call for tenders for territorial continuity starting in the 2026 summer season.

Lower fares and more flights: the Sardinia Region is designing a new territorial continuity model for air travel for the upcoming 2026 season. This model will allow airline tickets to be sold at regulated prices for those traveling from the island's three airports to Rome and Milan and back. The first step was taken by the Regional Council, which approved the scheme for imposing public service obligations for air routes to and from Sardinia. This is a crucial measure ahead of the services conference that will lead to the new Ministerial Decree and the subsequent call for tenders for territorial continuity starting with the 2026 summer season. The services conference, which will be attended by ENAC and the Ministry of Transport, is scheduled for August 11th.

"This is a crucial step, the result of 15 months of intense work, which is now in its final stages to secure important guarantees for Sardinian citizens' right to mobility and for Sardinia's economic and social connectivity," emphasized Regional Transport Councilor Barbara Manca. "With this resolution, we formally launch the final phase of overcoming the critical issues of the current model, introducing more flights at lower fares, a more regular service throughout the day, and a broader range of users to whom the model can be addressed."

The new territorial continuity model, "developed after a series of meetings with ENAC, the Ministry, and the European Commission, as well as with citizens and businesses," envisages a "structural increase in frequencies and available seats to and from Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia, to Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate." Furthermore, it also envisages a "greater distribution of timetables across four daily slots instead of the current three (early morning 6:00-9:00, remaining morning 9:00-1:00, afternoon 1:00-6:30 PM, evening 6:30 PM-11:00 PM), to better ensure same-day return travel for work, study, or health reasons." And then there's the cost issue, with a significant reduction in costs. The regional plan includes "significantly reduced fares for residents (who will pay approximately €30 per trip to Rome and €44 to Milan, net of VAT and airport taxes)" and "equal treatment for residents extended to workers and military personnel with a permanent residence in Sardinia, competitive athletes (non-professionals), as well as university students (up to 27 years old), children and young people aged 2 to 21, disabled people and their companions, and seniors over 70, as already provided for in the current model."

Among other things, the maximum rates for non-residents traveling to Sardinia for work will be extended year-round, and new user categories will be introduced. "All these categories will pay a 30% higher rate than residents."