Our Review of Bari Airport (BRI)

Table of contents: Our Review of Bari Airport (BRI) Pros and Cons of Bari Airport (BRI) Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide) How we calculate On Time Performance Some Stats

Our Review of Bari Airport (BRI)

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.

At Plan Your Trips, we have analyzed hundreds of airports around the world, gaining a clear understanding of what users expect when visiting an airport. With this know-how, we have created this guide, placing passengers at the forefront of everything, aiming to simplify and enhance the airport experience.

In this Guide, our goal is to present information in a manner that is both quick and reliable. Recognizing that passengers often have limited time and may be in a hurry, we strive to ensure that they do not waste time unnecessarily.

Another key focus of our guide is to highlight the strengths of the airport and also the weaknesses, and in some cases, offer recommendations to travelers. In alignment with this approach, we provide users with aggregated information on delays and on-time performance, analyzing both airlines and individual flights.

Summary from Google Reviews & Skytrax

Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport receives mixed feedback from travelers on both Google Reviews and Skytrax. Passengers consistently highlight the airport’s cleanliness, functional layout, and convenience for reaching Bari city center. The small size of the terminal is seen as a plus for quick arrivals and easy navigation, with direct access to public transport like trains and buses.

Positive Aspects:

The airport is described as clean and easy to use, with straightforward access to rental cars and city transport.
Expansion in recent years has brought more shops, restaurants, and services, which many travelers appreciate.
Security and check-in processes are often quick, especially for departures, and the airport’s compact size means less walking and fewer queues during off-peak times.
Staff generally speak English and are helpful, though some reviews note limitations in language skills.

Negative Aspects:

The lack of a left-luggage facility is a common complaint, making it difficult for transit passengers to explore Bari without carrying bags.
During busy periods, especially in summer, the airport can become crowded, with long waits at security and passport control due to limited open counters.
Some travelers report rude or unhelpful staff, particularly at security, and a lack of clear information in stressful situations.
Facilities like restrooms and seating can be insufficient during peak times, and food/shopping options, though improved, are still considered limited compared to larger airports.
There are occasional issues with management, such as chaotic boarding, long queues, and slow document checks.

Notable Quotes:

“It’s clean and functional but looks like nothing has changed over 30 years. Arrivals is small so you can walk to the train and get to the city quickly.”
“No left luggage at the airport… it would be nice for the officials to create such a place.”
“Departure was nice and easy and only took 1 min. No queues and plenty of cafes and shops airside.”
“Security officers were extremely rude… The way they treat you when asking something of them was very rude.”
“Will need to expand the airport very soon. The space is quite small on airside.

Final Rating: 3.2/5

Justification:
Bari Airport offers a clean, functional, and convenient experience for most travelers, especially those seeking quick access to the city and efficient departures. However, the lack of certain amenities (like left luggage), occasional overcrowding, inconsistent staff service, and limited facilities during peak periods prevent it from achieving a higher score. The airport is well-suited for short, straightforward trips, but those expecting a wide range of services or traveling during busy times may encounter frustrations.

Pros and Cons of Bari Airport (BRI)

Pros:

The airport is located just 8 km from Bari city center, making access quick and convenient for travelers.
Bari Airport operates 24 hours a day and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, including connections to major European and Middle Eastern destinations.
The terminal is modern, with efficient security systems and advanced technology, providing a high standard of safety and passenger service.
There is a good selection of transport options, including buses, trains, taxis, and car rental services with many companies located directly in the arrivals area
Multiple parking areas are available for both short and long stays, with accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cons:

During the summer and peak travel periods, the airport can become crowded, leading to longer wait times and possible traffic congestion around the terminal.
Public transport options like buses can be crowded and sometimes unreliable, with schedules that may not always be respected.
Car rental prices can be high during the high season, and returning a rental car may require extra time due to the distance from the terminal and potential traffic.
Some travelers find that food and shopping options inside the terminal are limited compared to larger international airports.
Taxis and public transport to certain destinations may not always be available late at night, requiring careful planning for arrivals or departures outside regular hours.

Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide)

Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI), also known as Bari-Palese Airport, is the main gateway to the beautiful region of Puglia in southern Italy. Located just 8–11 km northwest of Bari’s city center, the airport is conveniently positioned for both business and leisure travelers, with fast connections to iconic destinations like Alberobello, Matera, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli.

The airport operates a single, modern terminal that is open 24 hours a day, serving over 7 million passengers annually. Major airlines such as Ryanair, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Volotea connect Bari to more than 60 national and international destinations, including popular routes to Rome, Milan, Turin, Paris, London, and Barcelona. Ryanair is the leading carrier, offering around 40 regular routes across Europe.

Getting to and from the airport is straightforward. You can reach Bari Centrale train station in about 15–20 minutes via the direct FM2/FR2 train lines or by taxi, private transfer, or the AMTAB Line 16 city bus, which is the most economical option (about €1, journey time 30–40 minutes). Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall, and renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore Puglia’s scenic towns and coastline.

For those arriving by car, the airport offers multiple parking options: short-term (P1AB), multi-level (PM), and long-term (P3/P3A), all available 24/7 and within easy walking distance of the terminal. The terminal itself is designed for accessibility, with elevators, reserved parking, adapted restrooms, and special assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility—be sure to notify your airline at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.

Inside the terminal, you’ll find free WiFi, VIP lounges, information desks, ATMs, shops, and cafés. Touchscreen kiosks provide up-to-date tourist information, and there are hotels nearby for early departures or late arrivals. The airport’s official website (aeroportidipuglia.it) offers live flight updates, maps, and additional travel resources.

Whether you’re flying in for business, a beach holiday, or a tour of Puglia’s UNESCO sites, Bari Airport is a modern, efficient, and friendly starting point for your Italian adventure. Plan ahead for transport and parking, and take advantage of the airport’s traveler-friendly services to ensure a smooth journey from arrival to departure.

How we calculate On Time Performance

On various pages of our website, you will encounter a metric widely utilized in aviation and other forms of transportation known as OTP (On Time Performance). We believe that providing this metric assists passengers in planning their trips and exploring alternatives before purchasing their flight tickets.

We calculate the On Time Performance for all flights and airlines, when we have enough data to do so. In certain instances, it may not be feasible to accurately compute the On-Time Performance for a specific flight or airline due to inadequate or non-representative data, which could result in misleading conclusions.

Our calculation of On Time Performance and delay information solely relies on arrival times. This approach is chosen over calculating departure delays, as we consider arrival punctuality to be of primary concern to passengers.

The On Time Performance displayed on our website is calculated as follows:

On Time: Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time, or earlier. In the absence of data for a specific flight, we assume the flight arrives on time, to avoid penalizing airlines for data unavailability.
Moderate Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 15 to 30 minutes.
Significant Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 30 to 60 minutes.
Major Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay exceeding 60 minutes.
Average Delay: The average delay is calculated by considering flights that arrive early as having a delay of 0 minutes. Early arrivals do not contribute to reducing the average delay calculation