Italy (Brussels Morning Newspaper) “Mediterranean Airport” is the name envisioned for a new, state-of-the-art intercontinental terminal that Sciara Holding Ltd., based in London, plans to construct in the Mela Valley. Backed by private funding, the company, represented by CEO Fabio Bertolotti, has partnered with Sistemi Srl, an engineering firm led by Lino Maio (a Messina native known for designing significant public works across Italy), to draft the necessary plans. Sciara Holding has committed €800 million to the project, entirely through private investment, without relying on public funds. The proposal includes a 3 km runway, a heliport, and even a docking facility for airships, with the project financed through a public-private partnership model.
From Sicily to the World
Roberto Di Pietro, General Coordinator for Project Finance and a promoter of the initiative, emphasized, “We’re not here to ask for funds; we plan to build the airport entirely with private capital, reflecting our commitment to this project.” Di Pietro outlined Messina’s strategic geographical position relative to nearby airports (Lamezia, Reggio Calabria, and Catania) and highlighted that this would be the first intercontinental airport in southern Italy. Currently, the only intercontinental airports in Italy are in Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa), and Venice.
He explained that this airport would connect Messina to other continents, significantly focusing on cargo traffic. “Today, goods primarily move by ship, passing Sicily without stopping. Our goal is to establish a cargo hub that can drive local economic development. Statistics show that provinces with airports grow economically. We aim to make Messina a duty-free port, reducing costs and prices. With a Special Economic Zone (ZES), the airport, and a duty-free port, this project could become a major economic catalyst.”
The project had previously faced multiple rejections from the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) due to the proximity to other airports. However, Di Pietro noted a shift in ENAC’s stance because the proposed airport is intercontinental, and cargo focused. Fabio Bertolotti clarified, “This is not a compensatory structure for the Strait Bridge project; the two are not symbiotic, though they could complement each other. Our airport project stands independently but could help address logistical issues like traffic.”
Bertolotti also highlighted Messina’s untapped tourism potential: “Statistics show tourists come to Messina but leave quickly. We need to make them stay.” The proposal includes an innovative “sky metro” concept using airships, with landing points planned in Enna, Agrigento, and northern Italy, addressing long-distance connectivity. He envisions Messina leveraging the Milazzo refinery to become a hub like Rotterdam, lowering fuel costs and fostering global trade. The project promises substantial job creation, with estimates ranging from 5,000–10,000 direct jobs and 40,000–80,000 in the broader economy.
Who is financing
Economically, the project hinges on a public-private partnership model where private stakeholders bear the costs and recover investments through future revenue streams. Sciara Holding Ltd., established in January 2021, currently holds €500 million in capital, projected to increase by €300 million upon forming an Italian consortium. The detailed project plans will be unveiled after the 2025 provincial elections.
The idea of an airport in the Messina province has resurfaced periodically over the years. In 2017, Indian businessman Mahesh Panchavaktra proposed investing €1 billion over five years in a similar initiative, but ENAC blocked it. Now, Sciara Holding has revived the vision with significant updates. In April, the company expressed interest in building the airport in the Milazzo Plain, and the Messina City Council’s Bridge Commission recently convened to review the project. Attendees included Roberto Di Pietro, Fabio Bertolotti, Lino Maio (Project Manager), and Piero Benvenuto (via remote connection), an aviation expert and advisor who has certified several Italian airports.
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