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Southern Italy's spaceport gateway on the Apulian plateau.
Opened
1937
Location
Grottaglie, Italy
Taranto-Grottaglie Marcello Arlotta Airport is a dual-use civil and military airport located near Grottaglie in the Apulia region of southern Italy, approximately 12 kilometres from Taranto. Named after Italian aviation pioneer Marcello Arlotta, the facility serves both the Italian Air Force and limited commercial operations.
The airport gained international attention as a designated European spaceport, with the Italian Space Agency and private operators identifying it as a potential launch and landing site for horizontal space vehicles. This role as a future commercial spaceflight hub has driven infrastructure investment and planning efforts.
Commercial passenger traffic at Grottaglie has historically been modest compared to nearby Brindisi Airport, though the facility has served seasonal and charter flights. Its strategic location in the heel of Italy positions it to serve the broader Taranto metropolitan area.
Terminals
The airport has a small passenger terminal suitable for limited commercial and charter operations, reflecting its primarily military and aerospace-focused mission.
Getting to & from
Ground transport links to Taranto are available via road, with the airport situated roughly 12 kilometres from the city centre.
Airlines here
Regular scheduled commercial airline service has been minimal, with seasonal charter carriers occasionally operating routes to northern Europe.
Notable facts
- ›Designated as an official European spaceport for horizontal takeoff and landing space vehicles.
- ›Named after Italian aviation pioneer Marcello Arlotta.
- ›Serves as a joint civil-military airfield operated alongside the Italian Air Force.
- ›Located in the Apulia (Puglia) region, in the southern heel of the Italian peninsula.
- ›The spaceport designation has attracted interest from companies developing suborbital and orbital spaceplanes.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
