Trapani Birgi Airport to Get Its Own Railway Station by 2026: A Strategic Move for Regional Connectivity

Trapani Birgi "Vincenzo Florio" Airport is set to undergo a significant transformation with the addition of its dedicated railway station, as announced by the President of the Region, Schifani. The ambitious project aims for completion by 2026, a timeline considered remarkably swift, with an allocated budget of 40 million euros from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr). The plan also includes the establishment of an interchange parking facility.

Government Approval:
President Schifani's government has endorsed the feasibility project for the new connection to the "Vincenzo Florio" airport. The proposal envisions an interchange point along the Trapani-Marsala railway line. This approval is a crucial step, allowing the conclusion of the coordination services conference by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana), the contracting entity. The agreement between the State and the Region on the project's location has paved the way for further developments.

Project Details:
The project involves the creation of a new stop between the Marausa and Mozia-Birgi stations. It encompasses road and pedestrian infrastructure to access the airport and an interchange parking facility with green areas, accessible from the Strada provinciale 21. The plan also includes the installation of a photovoltaic system to minimize the environmental impact of the new infrastructure.

The total funding available amounts to approximately 48 million euros, with 40 million sourced from the Pnrr and an additional 8 million from the Fund for Urgent Works. The intervention is expected to take two years, including the time required for detailed design.

Regional Strategy:
The urgency in establishing the railway station at Birgi airport is rooted in the necessity for a stable connection with Palermo airport. This strategic move is aligned with the future merger of the two airports into a single management entity. Once realized, Trapani Birgi and Punta Raisi will be accessible by train within three-quarters of an hour, fostering enhanced regional connectivity.

Stakeholder Perspective:
"The creation of a railway station serving Birgi Airport will be a turning point for transportation in western Sicily. The intermodality between planes and trains will not only facilitate individual travel for residents and tourists but will be a crucial element for the revival of the export of local products. Once again, it confirms the Regional Government's attention to our territory and its ability to plan the use of community funds judiciously and structurally," stated Stefano Pellegrino, President of Forza Italia deputies in the Sicilian Regional Assembly.