RIMINI, Italy—Genova City Airport (GOA) is pursuing deeper integration with Italy’s cruise sector after recording its highest-ever passenger traffic and completing the first phase of a terminal redevelopment program.
“In 2025, Genova City Airport reached a record 1.57 million passengers, surpassing its previous 2019 record,” General Manager Francesco D’Amico told Routes.
Growth was supported by new routes launched during 2024 and 2025, including flights to Budapest, Warsaw, Kraków and Madrid, alongside stronger performance on existing services such as Tirana, Paris Orly and Barcelona. The airport’s positive momentum has continued into 2026, with passenger traffic rising 19.9% year-on-year during the first quarter.
A growth driver this year is Aeroitalia, which has established a new base at Genova with two aircraft. The carrier launched Rome flights in February and is adding new summer routes to Alghero, Olbia, and Salerno.
At the same time, competition is increasing on some existing markets. Ryanair is joining Wizz Air on the Tirana route, while Austrian Airlines is launching Vienna-Genova flights for Costa Cruises, complementing Condor’s Dusseldorf service introduced in 2025. The airport now serves 30 routes to 25 destinations in 12 countries operated by 10 airlines.
“Route development focuses on expanding international markets, with priority on the Nordics, Germany, Eastern Europe, Spain and North Africa,” D’Amico said.
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Alongside point-to-point leisure traffic, Genoa is also seeking to strengthen connectivity through major European hubs, including Frankfurt, Istanbul, Lisbon, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
The airport sees the cruise sector as another major growth driver. Genova, Savona and La Spezia collectively form Italy’s largest cruise port system. “Partnerships with cruise operators, including Costa and MSC, and cooperation with local tourism boards further support traffic growth,” D’Amico added.
To support future expansion, GOA is in the middle of a €12.6 million ($14.6 million) modernization and restyling program aimed at increasing capacity and improving passenger experience. A new terminal extension opened in March 2025, increasing annual capacity to 3 million passengers and adding three new gates.
Additional upgrades planned through 2026 include a new VIP lounge with a sea-view terrace, expanded food and beverage areas, new check-in desks and automated e-gates for passport control. “These investments will significantly enhance capacity and improve the overall passenger experience,” D’Amico said.
“Ongoing investments aimed at improving connections between the airport and cruise terminals will make transfers faster and more seamless,” he added.
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