AN AIRPORT in Europe that has flights from the UK has revealed plans for a huge new 11-year renovation project.
British Airways and Vueling operate direct flights from London to Florence Airport, Italy, for as little as £40 for a one-way ticket.
Not known, clear with picture deskThe plans include a new area with shops and other retail venues[/caption]
The Italian airport has proposed plans for a massive 11-year improvement project, with the design being put forward by the US-based Rafael Viñoly Architects.
Its main upgrade will include a huge new terminal, complete with a unique rooftop vineyard.
According to Euronews, the brand-new terminal will have a sloping roof lined with skylights and 38 rows of vines.
In a proposal put forward by the architecture firm, the airport’s vineyard will be managed by a winemaker in Tuscany, who will produce its very own wine directly beneath the terminal’s roof.
The new terminal is also slated to include a new area, which will have shops and other retail venues.
A new rail system will also be added to improve transport links to and from the airport.
According to the plans, the airport’s runway will also be lengthened and rotated by 90 degrees in a bid to prevent the nearby hills from hindering the planes.
The ambitious project will be split into two phases.
While the first phase of the project is thought to be completed in 2026, the second phase isn’t scheduled for completion until 2035.
Once the entire project is complete, it’s expected to accommodate six million international passengers every year.
It is not yet known if any new routes will operate from the UK to Florence Airport.
Plenty of other airports in Europe are also being revamped in a bid to increase capacity.
Katowice Airport, Poland
After hitting 5.61 million passengers in 2023, the airport announced a massive four-year improvement project.
Its main upgrade will be a new central passenger terminal, with the 527,000sqft building having new jet bridges and a new tunnel connecting the airport to the train station.
The two-storey terminal, costing around PLN950million (£186million). will have a new check-in and arrivals hall, as well as a security area, passport control and departures zone.
Work is set to start on the upgrades later this year.
Madrid Barajas Airport, Spain
Last year, airport management company AENA unveiled its ambitious renovation project worth a staggering €2.4billion (£2.1billion).
Terminals one, two and three, at Madrid Barajas Airport, will be refurbished as part of the expansion, with the renovation estimated to cost €700million (£607million).
Meanwhile, terminals four and five will also be expanded, with those plans reported to cost €1.7billion (£1.47billion).
It is thought that the combined projects will be the eighth largest of its kind in Europe, at an already existing airport.
Meanwhile, Pontecagnano (Salerno) Airport, near the Amalfi Coast, hopes to open to passengers this summer.
And a new airport hopes to open in Lisbon, due to the current airport reaching capacity.
Several UK airports have also announced huge new projects, including East Midlands Airport and London Gatwick.
Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day you plan to leave the country.
Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance too.
Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
Not known, clear with picture deskThe planned expansion is set to include a rooftop vineyard[/caption]