Civil Airfield Tortoli / Arbatax (LIET)

Located on the east side of the island (right by the sea), it was closed as a small commercial airport in 2012 but finally reopened in mid-2023, initially as a GA-only VFR aerodrome with no ATS. The field is subject to PPR, primarily due to the ongoing issue of the firefighting service. On weekdays the fire service is on duty 0900–1700, so PPR is then essentially a formality. PPR can also be obtained on weekends. The airport website, including the online PPR form, is https://www.aeroportotortoli.eu/. The (still fairly moderate) fees are listed there; you cannot pay on site and must transfer the amount to the specified account after your visit. There is virtually no paved parking; you have to park on the grass area next to the apron, which is fine. A fuel station (including Avgas) and the approval to sell fuel are still in progress and will take time. The local staff are notably helpful, including assistance in obtaining Mogas via taxi from a gas station in town.

The runway borders almost directly on the beach; this is where the resort of Arbatax begins. If you only have a few hours, you can walk 1.2 km along the gravel road right by the airfield fence to the beach, where there is a nice beach restaurant (Basaura Beach) and you can sunbathe right at the threshold of runway 30. Unfortunately there is very little flight activity. Arbatax has many, in part very nice, hotels (I can particularly recommend the small Borgo degli Ulivi) and restaurants. The north side of town is less attractive due to the harbor. Also well known is the beach restaurant Chiosco di Ponente outside of town, which serves oysters cultivated on site. The town does somewhat lack a cozy pedestrian zone for an evening stroll.

The outskirts of Tortolì are within walking distance from the field, including numerous B&Bs (e.g., the modern B&B Agata e gli altri). Also within walking distance or a very short taxi ride (Giorgio, tel. +39 339 5087415; speaks only limited English) is a Europcar office, though it is somewhat pricey—best to reserve in advance. In peak season there is also the car rental company Ichnusarent, which is a bit cheaper. You definitely need a car to explore the area at least a little. About 30 km north of Tortolì is one of Sardinia’s currently very popular beaches, Cala Mariolu. You can also reach it from Tortolì by rented motorboat.

Newly reopened airfield in good condition. Approach and departure are spectacular, directly over the beach. Use the PPR procedure on the website; replies come quickly. They are still in the process of obtaining approvals for small CAT. Buildings etc. are prepared. Currently occasional PC-12s... Fire crew fully staffed for ARR and DEP. Less than 2 km to Tortoli; Arbatax is within biking/taxi distance. Beautiful beaches and opportunities for excursions into the mountains. Hotel/restaurant tip: IKNOS. Good, reasonably priced food; inexpensive stays in freshly renovated, nice rooms. Within walking distance from the airfield. No Avgas. Landing €25 and parking €30/night (Lido Venezia league ;-) ).