Translate
Sardinia's gateway to the glamorous Costa Smeralda.
Opened
1973
Location
Olbia, Italy
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (IATA: OLB, ICAO: LIEO) is the primary airport serving the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Located just a few kilometres from the city of Olbia, it acts as the main point of entry for tourists heading to the famous Costa Smeralda resort area, long associated with luxury and the international jet set.
The airport experiences strong seasonal traffic peaks during the summer months, when charter and low-cost carriers dramatically increase their operations to meet the surge in holiday demand. Despite its relatively modest size, OLB handles millions of passengers annually during peak season, making it one of Italy's busiest regional airports in summer.
Managed by GEASAR S.p.A., the airport has undergone significant modernisation efforts over the years to improve capacity and passenger facilities. It serves routes connecting Sardinia to major Italian cities and numerous European destinations.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single passenger terminal building that has been expanded and upgraded to accommodate growing seasonal traffic.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to central Olbia by bus services and taxis, with the city centre located approximately 4 kilometres away; car rental facilities are also widely available on-site.
Airlines here
Major carriers serving OLB include Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, and Volotea, among other European airlines operating seasonal routes.
Notable facts
- ›The airport is named after the renowned Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a luxury resort area developed by Aga Khan IV in the 1960s.
- ›Passenger numbers can surge dramatically in July and August, reflecting the intense seasonality of Sardinian tourism.
- ›GEASAR S.p.A., the airport management company, is partially owned by Meridiana (now Air Italy).
- ›OLB is one of three main airports in Sardinia, alongside Cagliari Elmas and Alghero-Fertilia.
- ›The airport has a dedicated private aviation area catering to the luxury clientele visiting the Costa Smeralda.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
