New routes in Sardinia: tender leaves destination choices to airlines

The Sardinia Region has opened the New Routes tender to support new air connections to and from the airports of Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. More than €11.4 million is available for the 2027–2028 period. The main innovation is that airlines will propose the destinations, rather than having to choose from a list drawn up by the administration.

The notice was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 28, following its publication on the regional website. The total allocation amounts to €11,409,423.14, divided between €6,164,852.51 for 2027 and €5,244,570.63 for 2028. The tender covers the airports of Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero-Fertilia.

The new system allows airlines to choose which routes to submit proposals for, giving greater consideration to their commercial assessments and market needs. The Region has also introduced simplified evaluation procedures and the possibility of submitting applications in several rounds. A comparative assessment will be required only if several airlines apply for the same connection or if requests exceed the available funds.

The incentives may cover up to 50% of airport charges associated with new connections, for a maximum period of two years and in accordance with the aid scheme authorized by the European Commission. Regional Transport Councillor Barbara Manca explained that the change responds to requests from airlines and aims to make the scheme simpler and more flexible. According to the Region, the previous tender helped launch seven new connections.

For interested airlines, the key information for the first phase is as follows:

• The first round for submitting expressions of interest closes on November 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m..
• The Region may open further rounds, announcing them on its website according to the funds still available.
• Proposals may concern new connections to and from the airports of Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero-Fertilia.

The regional strategy aims to strengthen the island’s air connectivity and expand travel opportunities for residents and visitors. The administration hopes that greater freedom to choose destinations and easier access to incentives will encourage new routes, potentially benefiting tourism and the Sardinian economy as well.