Rome Ciampino “G. B. Pastine” Airport (IATA: CIA, ICAO: LIRA) is one of the oldest airports still in operation, having opened in 1916. During World War II, it was captured by Allied forces in June 1944 and used by the United States Army Air Forces as a transport base for C‑47 SkyTrains, while the 86th Bombardment Group operated A‑36 Apache aircraft for a short period. After the combat units moved out, the airport served as a transshipment hub for cargo, aircraft, and personnel for the remainder of the war.
Ciampino was Rome’s main airport until 1960, handling over 2 million passengers annually. After the opening of Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Ciampino’s role shifted primarily to charter, low-cost, and executive flights for several decades. Terminal expansions in 2007 allowed the airport to accommodate the growing number of low-cost carrier operations, further increasing its relevance.
The airport has a single asphalt runway, 2,208 m (7,244 ft) long, suitable for small propeller aircraft, regional airliners, medium and large jets, and long-range aircraft. Ciampino continues to host both civil aviation and military operations, including Italian Air Force units. In 2024, the airport handled 3,861,806 passengers, operating daily with hours adjusted seasonally to manage departures and arrivals efficiently.
Ciampino remains a key hub for low-cost airlines and business aviation, offering an alternative to Fiumicino for domestic and European flights while maintaining a rich historical legacy as one of Italy’s earliest and most historically significant airports.