Florence Airport

FLR originated on June 4th, 1931, after the original airfield in Florence, the Campo di Marte was deemed inadequate for new aircraft and needed more space to expand. Although the original airport at Peretola was simply a large field where planes could take off, the Ministry of Aeronautics eventually decided to enlarge and upgrade it. As such, in 1938, a 1,000-meter-long runway was constructed. During WWII, the airport was initially used by the Royal Italian Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, although by 1944, it had been overtaken by Allied Air Forces. Following the war's culmination, the airport turned to civilian use in the late 1940s, with the first flights operated by Aerea Teseo utilizing Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Unfortunately, in 1948 the airline went out of business. The late 1950s saw Alitalia service two routes from FLR (using DC-3s), Rome-Florence-Venice and Rome-Florence-Milan, and several domestic flights using the Fokker F27. Plans to upgrade the facilities were initiated in the 1980s, and Saf (now ADF, who now manages the airport) was founded in 1984. That same year, the runway was lengthened to 1400 meters, a navigation system and lighting on the runway were installed, and the airport terminal was rebuilt. Renovations were completed in September 1986, with regular flight operations resuming at that time and both flights and passengers serviced picking up ever since. In 1990, the airport was renamed in honor of Amerigo Vespucci, the famous Italian merchant, cartographer, and navigator from whom the name "America" is derived. In 1992, what is now the arrival terminal was inaugurated, and two years after that, the (current) departure building opened. The runway was extended by 250 meters in 1996, and the departure area was further expanded at that time. Furthermore, in 1999 the terminals were renovated and expanded, along with the aircraft parking areas and other facilities. Vueling opened a base of operations in FLR on December 5th, 2012, with flights to numerous European destinations.

The airport is located five miles northwest of the Florence city center. 

• The primary FBO at FLR is Delta Aerotaxi/Corporate Air Service. Other FBOs are Signature Flight Support and Sky Services. 
• There is an Acqua dell Elba store at FLR, with a line of fragrances and ambient scents crafted at the heart of the Tuscan archipelago. 
• Avid readers will appreciate the Giunti al Punto Librerie, a bookshop, newsagent, and tobacconist. 
• There is a VIP Lounge in the departure area, with a self-service open bar, free WiFi, and more.