In summer, a network of connections brings northern Sardinia closer to Italian and European cities. From the end of October, services narrow just as university classes, work commitments and medical appointments continue. The gap between the summer and winter flights from Alghero and Olbia raises an issue that goes beyond tourism: residents’ ability to reach the mainland all year round.

A disparity alarming for its social implications, because Sardinians’ mobility needs do not end with the holiday season.

The comparison: Ryanair’s domestic destinations shrink

A concrete indicator comes from comparing the domestic destinations served by Ryanair, based on the operators’ official summer schedules and information on winter 2026–2027 reported on 22 October in clarifications from Regional Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu.

  • Alghero: Ryanair’s domestic destinations fall from 10 in summer 2026 to 5 in winter 2026–2027, a reduction of 50%.
  • Olbia: Ryanair’s domestic destinations fall from 3 in summer 2026 to 1 in winter 2026–2027, a reduction of 66.7%.

At Alghero, the ten Italian destinations served in summer are matched by five winter connections: Bergamo, Milan Malpensa, Bologna, Naples and Pisa. Bari, Catania, Palermo, Pescara and Venice are not included in the carrier’s winter schedule.

At Olbia, the summer schedule includes Bergamo, Bologna and Trieste; in the winter months, Ryanair continues to serve Bergamo. Bologna can still be reached with Volotea, according to the councillor’s clarification.

These percentages measure the reduction in one airline’s domestic destinations: they do not represent the overall drop in flights, available seats or the entire network of the two airports. They nonetheless show how much the choice of direct connections can change between seasons.

Winter increases do not erase the gap with summer

The picture also includes positive signs. Geasar announced that Volotea will offer Olbia a 75% increase in seats for sale compared with the previous winter, as reported in the feature on boosting winter connections from Olbia.

However, growth compared with last winter does not mean offering the same opportunities as in summer. Special holiday flights also meet limited needs: the four flights announced between Genoa and Alghero from December to January are not the same as a route available throughout the cold months.

The transition is also gradual: some routes end as early as September, others in October or in the first few days of November. April normally marks the restart of the summer schedule and should be assessed separately.

Study, work and medical appointments: Sardinia travels all year round

Behind the demand for connections are students living away from home, workers, patients and the family members accompanying them. A specialist appointment, a university exam or a work commitment may require travel on specific days.

When there is no direct flight, the journey may involve stopovers, ground transfers and additional overnight stays. Territorial continuity to Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate is an essential safeguard, but it does not provide direct access to every other destination.

Assessing the accessibility of northern Sardinia therefore also requires looking at weekly frequencies, convenient departure times and return options. These are the factors that determine whether a connection really makes it possible to study, work or receive medical care outside the Island.