Naples International Airport is closing to all air traffic for the entire month of November 2026 for a €30 million (£25 million) runway renovation. The project, aimed at improving safety, will affect flights to six domestic and nine international destinations operated by airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Vueling.
The works cover the runway and connecting taxiways at the hub, which handles more than 13 million passengers annually. Visual aids lighting (AVL) systems, including signalling systems vital for aircraft take-off, landing and taxiing, are also being upgraded.
Why November was chosen
The airport said on its website: 'Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for radical and scheduled runway renovation work, in compliance with rigorous industry regulations and in line with GESAC's priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.'
November is typically a quieter month, with monthly passenger traffic in Italian airports dropping to 15.54 million in 2025, compared to 22.47 million in September and a peak of 24.39 million in August. Work will continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week to minimise long-term disruption.
Alternative routes and transfers
Many airlines are temporarily moving operations to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, about an hour's drive away, with connections to 15 domestic and international destinations transferred there. Special bus services in both directions have been introduced, and bus frequency increased, between Salerno Airport and Salerno railway station. A trial shared taxi service with fixed fares is operating between Salerno Airport, Naples Central and Salerno Central stations.
PayingTooMuch travel money expert Hannah Mayfield advised passengers to contact their airline or travel company. 'Because the closure was announced in advance, your airline should offer you a refund or an alternative route,' she told Metro. 'You won't usually be entitled to extra compensation when you're given more than two weeks' notice, but you shouldn't be left out of pocket for a flight that can't operate.'
She added that some airlines have moved flights to Salerno, about 60km southeast of Naples, so passengers should check their booking for the airport they're flying to and plan transfers before travelling. She also warned that most insurance policies won't cover disruption from an event publicly announced before cover was bought.
Refunds versus compensation
Vix Leyton, consumer finance expert at thinkmoney, stressed the importance of knowing the difference between a refund and compensation. 'A planned airport closure isn't likely to mean an extra compensation payout, but that doesn't mean airlines can simply shrug their shoulders and leave you stranded,' she told Metro. 'Your rights to rerouting, refunds and appropriate assistance are a separate matter.'
She recommended keeping receipts for every taxi, additional hotel night and email confirming a change. 'Ask questions before accepting changes, and don't let the inconvenience become an expensive mistake,' she added.
