The venture involving domestic flights between Alghero, Cagliari and Olbia is set to continue in 2027 as well. After the first operating season in summer 2026, Aeroitalia is planning to bring back the connections between Sardinia's three main airports, with one important new feature: the launch is expected to be brought forward to June.

In 2026, the service began operating on 3 July, with flights running until 31 August on the Alghero–Cagliari and Olbia–Cagliari routes.

The objective for next summer is therefore to extend the operating period and provide greater continuity to a service designed to shorten distances within the Island.

From July to June: what should change in 2027

During summer 2026, Aeroitalia operated domestic flights twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, using 68-seat ATR 72 aircraft.

The flights lasted around half an hour, with basic fares starting at €34.99 each way at the time of launch. Passengers were also guaranteed free access to Fast Track at Alghero, Cagliari and Olbia airports.

For 2027, the first announced change therefore concerns bringing the launch forward to June. The airline's final announcements are still awaited to learn the operating days, schedules, number of frequencies and fares for the upcoming season.

Regional support may last three years

The domestic flights are part of the regional “Nuove Rotte” programme, through which Sardinia provides financial support for the launch of new air connections.

In 2025, the Region selected eight routes, including Olbia–Cagliari and Alghero–Cagliari, both proposed by Aeroitalia. The system provides for coverage of up to 50% of airport costs for a maximum of three years.

The official documentation also clarifies that the funding allocated for the first year may be confirmed for the following two years, in accordance with the agreements and within the limits of the regional budget.

This is a mechanism distinct from territorial continuity services to Rome and Milan: domestic flights are commercial connections supported through the regional programme.

A strategy that looks beyond 2026

The relaunch of connections between Sardinia's airports is part of the Region's broader strategy to improve the Island's connectivity.

In August, a further €10 million was allocated to the Nuove Rotte programme, split between €5 million in 2027 and €5 million in 2028, with the aim of making the incentive system more flexible and attracting new proposals from airlines.

We also covered this in our feature on the €10 million earmarked for Sardinia's new air routes from 2027.

Next summer will therefore represent another test. After the first two months of operations in 2026, bringing the launch forward to June could give flights between Alghero, Cagliari and Olbia more time to establish themselves as an alternative for travel between northern and southern Sardinia.