Aeroitalia is linking the continuation of territorial continuity services in Sardinia to action by the Regional Government on fuel costs. In an interview published by La Nuova Sardegna on October 29, CEO Gaetano Intrieri raised the possibility of seeking to terminate the contract if no concrete response is forthcoming. For now, however, no decision has been made to leave the island.
The first operational impact identified by the executive concerns the Olbia–Rome route. Between November 2026 and February 2027, there are expected to be three daily frequencies instead of the four specified in the tender. Intrieri attributes the reduction to the financial difficulties of operating the service and says that, given current costs, the airline is unable to maintain the full schedule.
At the heart of the dispute is the adjustment of subsidized fares to reflect rising fuel prices. According to the CEO, the tender provides for this mechanism, but the Regional Government has not applied it. Intrieri puts the cost of fuel at €1.50 per kilo and says Aeroitalia had already brought the issue to the attention of the authorities about a month before the interview.
The airline intends to involve its lawyers and formally demand that the Regional Government fulfill the obligations that, according to its account, arise from the contract. Intrieri also refers to Article 1467 of the Civil Code, concerning excessive hardship arising after a contract is concluded, as a possible basis for seeking termination. This is Aeroitalia’s position; the outcome of the dispute will depend on discussions between the parties and any legal proceedings.
A meeting may provide an opportunity for discussions. According to Intrieri, Enac is expected to convene one by Monday, November 2, following contacts with the Regional Transport Department. Aeroitalia is waiting for proposals and a swift response. In the interview, the CEO also refers to employment, saying that the company has hired 389 employees from Sardinia. The negotiations therefore concern both the service’s financial sustainability and the reliability of air links, which are essential to mobility on the island.
The Regional Government says Aeroitalia has operated five routes under the territorial continuity scheme since March 29, 2026, including Olbia–Rome. For travelers, the proposed reduction concerns the period from November to February, so it is advisable to check the latest timetable for your route before departure. The future schedule will depend on the authorities’ response and the outcome of discussions between the airline and the Regional Government.
Air links on the island are also connected to the airline’s plans for the coming years, including the domestic flights within Sardinia announced for 2027.