Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

OLB originated in 1921 as a military airfield at Olbia (which was then known as Terranova Pausania). In 1927, a seaplane base was inaugurated nearby, although poor loads from the island on flights to Ostia and Cagliari led to the service discontinuation in 1929. WWII, the airfield and seaplane base were targets of Allied bombing, causing the Germans to open another Airfield 4.5 miles west of the town (which was renamed Olbia in 1945). Following the war, commercial flights gradually returned, and in 1963, Olbia-based airline Alisarda was formed. In 1972 the airline introduced jet flights, and it expanded its routes over the years (in 1991, the airline was renamed Meridiana). The introduction of jets brought about the need for a larger airport, and the current airport, which is also closer to the town, was completed in 1974. On June 6th, 2004, a 42,000-square -meter terminal was unveiled. It incorporated the original terminal building (which was converted into retail space) and features 40 check-in desks and ten boarding gates (five of which have jet bridges), shops and restaurants, a wine bar, an art gallery, and more. Capable of servicing 4.5 million passengers annually, the new terminal cast 81 million euros. OLB underwent a refurbishment and extension of the runway and taxiways from February 3rd, 2020, to March 14th of that year, with the airport closed during that time. Whereas it was initially scheduled to reopen upon completion, COVID-19 measures meant it only reopened on June 3rd.

The airport is located in the northeast corner of the island of Sardinia, about 4km from the Olbia city center. 

• Due to its location, OLB handles mostly seasonal holiday flights. 
• OLB is home to the Tourist Management department of the University of Sassari. 
• A 200-square-meter Club Lounge will be available at OLB from April 2023. 
• OLB is home to the first airport pet relief area in Italy, where pets can enjoy a green area with drinking troughs and games. 
• There are numerous events and exhibitions taking place at the airport.