Rome is the largest and most populated city in Italy, and home to almost three million residents. The Italian capital has a rich history as the heart of the Roman Empire and the seat of Catholicism. It is also renowned as one of the most significant artistic and cultural centers in the world.
The city offers visitors a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures to explore. Italy boasts a total of 24 UNESCO heritage sites, half of which can be found in Rome. The most iconic of these include the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square, the Pantheon, Navona Square and the famous Spanish Steps. The city was home to legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Nicola Salvi, Sangallo, Bramante and many others. Some of Rome’s most important museums include the Villa Borghese Gallery, National Roman Museum, the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, the Capitoline Museums and Maxxi National Museum. The city itself can be seen as world’s biggest open-air museum.
Rome is renowned for its numerous stunning fountains. Some of these have existed for more than 2,000 years, providing fresh drinking water and adding to the aesthetics of the city. Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.
Rome is also considered a capital in the fashion world, and is well-known for its extravagant shopping opportunities. The city is home to many major luxury brands including Valentino, Bulgari, Chanel and Prada. In 2014, Rome was ranked the third most visited city in the European Union, and the most popular tourist destination in Italy.
Airport Options in Rome
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (IATA: FCO, ICAO: LIRF), also known as Fiumicino Airport, is the main international airport in Rome. LIRF is also one of the busiest airports in Europe by passenger traffic, having served more than 40 million passengers in 2015. The airport is located in Fiumicino, 35km west of Rome’s historic city center. Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (IATA: CIA, ICAO: LIRA), or simply Ciampino Airport, is the secondary international airport serving Rome. LIRA is situated 12km southeast of central Rome, and is the city’s principle airport for General Aviation (GA) flights.
Both airports can be used as an Airport of Entry (AoE) 24/7. LIRA’s operating hours are from 06:00 local time until 23:20. GAT is open from 07:00 until 23:20. Extensions are not possible at LIRA unless required for humanitarian, ambulance or state flights. Customs is available only upon request. LIRF is a scheduled commercial operations-oriented airport, and can only be used for GA flights when LIRA is closed between 23:00 and 06:00.
PPR, parking permits and airport slot bookings are mandatory at both airports. Long-term parking can be granted, based upon availability. Both airports are capable of providing full ground handling services. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged on request. Note there is no terminal at LIRF for GA operations, passengers and crew are required to go to the main airline terminal to clear customs and immigration. Both airports offer VIP and crew lounges.
Traffic Rights and Landing Permits
Air traffic rights are certified by the Italian CAA for any non-European Union (EU) carrier flying to Italy for the first time. Both private and charter flights require landing permits/PPR and parking permission. A landing permit/PPR can be issued on very short notice, however obtaining air traffic rights can take longer.
According to ENAC, first-time air carriers wishing to operate flights into Italy with approved configuration aircraft are required to submit the following documentation, at least 20 days before the date of their first flight:
- Air Operator Certificate (AOC), with attached operations specifications (must be compatible with TCAS II version 7.1).
- Registered office mailing address, fax and email.
- Insurance certificate, drawn up in the standard format of ENAC and valid to cover all aircraft to be used.
- Security program, together with a letter from the CAA of the carrier’s country certifying ICAO Annex 17 compliance.
- European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization.
Crew Visa
Visas cannot be availed on arrival. Depending on the crew’s nationality, they may require entrance visas. Certain nationalities can be cleared on GenDec using their ICAO crew ID.
Enjoy VAT Exemption with Jetex
VAT is applicable on fuel in Italy, whether a flight is private or domestic. The only circumstance where VAT is not payable on commercial or international flights is when the fuel is purchased through an international reseller. As Jetex is a VAT registered company in Italy, VAT exemption can be availed. Enjoy the benefits of VAT-exempt fueling by enrolling in our exemption program today. For assistance, please contact vat@jetex.com.
Jetex Flight Support is an internationally-acclaimed one-stop source for trip planning. We offer state-of-the-art luxury FBOs and ground support stations. Our service portfolio also includes in-house flight planning, permit and permissions coordination, ground handling arrangements, fueling, and world-class concierge services.
For more information on how you can benefit from our services, please call our team today on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.
