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Volotea‘s 21st European base opens in Bari, Italy, boosting connectivity to 18 destinations, with new 2024 routes to Greece, Spain, and Croatia.

Volotea, recognized as one of Europe’s rapidly expanding independent airlines, marked a significant achievement by inaugurating its eighth operating base in Italy, located in Bari. This new base, now the airline’s 21st across Europe, was initially announced in November and strengthens Volotea’s footprint in the Apulia region, following the recent launch of its 20th base in Brest, France, this past April.

Since commencing operations in Bari in 2012, Volotea has transported over 2 million passengers, significantly boosting connectivity at Karol Wojtyla Airport. The airline has played a crucial role in enhancing travel links from the Apulia region to various parts of Italy and Europe. In 2024, Volotea plans to operate more than 1,260 flights and provide 224,000 seats, reflecting a 37% increase compared to 2023. The airline will station one Airbus A320 aircraft in Bari to service 18 destinations, with nine routes exclusively managed by Volotea. The grand opening coincides with the launch of eight new routes to Bilbao, Comiso, Dubrovnik, Malaga, Preveza/Lefkada, Rhodes, Split, and Toulouse, scheduled between July 4th and July 6th.

Volotea’s diverse destination offerings enhance its robust service network from Bari, where the airline upholds high operational standards. From January to June 2024, Volotea achieved a 97% completion factor, indicating the percentage of successfully operated flights, and an OTP15 (on-time performance within 15 minutes) surpassing 70%.

“We have been operating in Bari since 2012, and the opening of our eighth operational base in Italy, our twenty-first in Europe, further confirms our strong partnership with this region,” commented Valeria Rebasti, International Market Director of Volotea. “Thanks to this important investment, we will not only be able to support the local economy by enhancing tourism in the area, but also offer more opportunities for local communities to travel to other European countries with a rich selection of destinations. We thank the regional authorities and especially the management of Airports of Apulia, whose valuable collaboration has allowed us to achieve this milestone. We also do not want to forget the many Apulian passengers who have chosen us flight after flight, enabling us to grow over the years.”

“The opening of Volotea’s base represents a significant asset for our region. The benefits will be felt not only by the airport but, more importantly, by the entire community it serves,” added Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Airports of Apulia. “The base not only increases connectivity but also boosts the local economy, benefiting Apulia’s residents and economic system. Airports of Apulia has always supported such initiatives because we believe they are fundamental for the territory and the community. The opening of a base is a crucial step in the life of an airport, especially when it is done by an airline with which we have strong commercial ties. This move, aligned with our strategic plan, will diversify the offerings of airlines, promote competitiveness, and adapt to changing market conditions for the benefit of consumers. It enables us to offer passengers a broader range of destinations and allows Airports of Apulia to expand its network. This well-considered and shared decision pleases us and reflects the significant work we have been doing to offer ever higher service standards to passengers transiting through our airports. Today is a milestone for our company, which I am honored to chair, serving as an incentive to do even better for the region, always in synergy with the Apulia region, which consistently supports us, and with airlines that prove themselves to be reliable partners.”

Volotea’s new base in Bari expands its network to 18 destinations, including nine in Greece (Athens, Corfu, Heraklion/Crete, Mykonos, Preveza/Lefkada – New for 2024, Rhodes – New for 2024, Santorini, Skiathos, and Zante), three in Italy (Comiso – New for 2024, Florence, and Olbia), two in France (Lyon and Toulouse – New for 2024), two in Spain (Bilbao and Malaga – both New for 2024), and two in Croatia (Dubrovnik and Split – both New for 2024). Additionally, Volotea’s service in the Apulia region includes routes from Brindisi, linking Salento Airport with Nantes and Cagliari.

In 2024, Volotea will operate 171 routes across Italy, offering over 4.2 million seats on more than 25,000 flights. The airline employs 450 people in the country and boasts high customer satisfaction, with 9 out of 10 passengers recommending Volotea to family and friends.