Strictly Sardinia – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Why Can't I Book A Flight From Rome or Milan To Sardinia?
Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

Claudia Tavani addresses a recurring and urgent question from travelers: Why are there no bookable flights from Rome or Milan to Sardinia after March 31st? Drawing on her local expertise, Claudia demystifies the complicated process behind Sardinia's “territorial continuity” (continuità territoriale), explains the annual disruption in flight schedules, and offers actionable advice for booking travel to the island during this period of uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Territorial Continuity Issue (00:37–05:40)

• Continuità Territoriale Explained:
  • Claudia introduces the concept as a set of regulations ensuring Sardinian residents have access to flat-fare flights between Sardinia and specific mainland Italian airports—Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate.
  • The process is not straightforward: airlines must participate in a public call for tenders set up by local authorities, in collaboration with the Italian government and the EU.
• Annual Disruption:
  • "For whatever reason, our local authorities always put this call for tender... last minute." (Claudia, 02:55)
  • As a result, every year, there is a lapse during which flights after March 31 are not yet bookable, causing confusion and frustration for both locals and travelers.
• Impact on Residents:
  • Claudia highlights that this isn’t just a tourist problem. Sardinians need mainland access for health, business, and family reasons, making the issue even more pressing.

What Travelers Can Expect (05:41–07:30)

• Will There Be Flights?
  • Claudia reassures: "Let me tell you, there will be flights. Local authorities are currently trying to solve a recurrent issue..." (01:08)
  • Historically, new flights and carriers are announced shortly before the current service ends.
  • "If things work the way they have always worked, new flights will be announced and the new airline running the flights will be announced no later than 30th of March." (Claudia, 06:01)
• Advice for Travelers:
  • Be Patient: Wait until new flight schedules are released, typically just days before the old agreement expires.
  • Book Connecting Flights: Fly into Italy (Milan or Rome), then wait to book the Sardinia leg.
  • Claudia suggests, "Personally I think Rome is a better option." (06:23)

Alternative Routes and Airlines (07:31–09:25)

• International Alternatives (seasonal):
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (Air France) – May to October
  • Amsterdam Schiphol (KLM) – May to October
  • Frankfurt or Munich (Lufthansa) – May to October
  • London Gatwick (British Airways) – May to October
• Budget Airline Alternatives:
  • Ryanair, Easyjet, Volotea—These operate from smaller airports like Rome Ciampino, Pisa, Bologna, Venice, Milan Orio al Serio (Bergamo), not the main intercontinental terminals.
  • Important Caveat: "You wouldn't be able to land in Rome and on the same day fly to Sardinia," since most long-haul flights arrive at Fiumicino, and these budget options fly from Ciampino. (Claudia, 09:02)

Claudia’s Personal Recommendation (09:26–10:10)

• Top Tip:
  • Unless waiting works for you, consider booking into Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, or London Gatwick and then take a connecting flight to Sardinia.
  • "My personal recommendation, unless you wait to get your flight from Rome after the continuità territoriale is finally announced, is to book your flight into Paris or Amsterdam or Frankfurt, Munich, London Gatwick and then find a connecting flight to Sardinia." (Claudia, 09:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bureaucracy and Local Frustration:
  • “At times, we cannot book flights… it is a basic violation of our right to freedom of movement. It frustrates locals.” (Claudia, 03:25)
• On the Annual Tender Issue:
  • “For whatever reason, our local authorities always put this call for tender... last minute.” (Claudia, 02:55)
• Reassurance for Travelers:
  • “Let me tell you, there will be flights... it happens all the time.” (Claudia, 01:08)
• Personal Touch:
  • “Remember that we residents of Sardinia don’t only travel to mainland Italy for tourism. We travel there for health reasons, for business, to visit family.” (Claudia, 03:53)

Important Timestamps

• 00:37 – Overview of the territorial continuity problem
• 02:55 – The late publication of the call for tender
• 03:25 – Claudia’s take on the rights and frustrations of locals
• 06:01 – Timeline for the announcement of new flights
• 09:02 – Challenges with booking budget flights from different airports
• 09:36 – Claudia’s detailed personal recommendation

Resources & Further Help

• Blog: Claudia refers listeners to her “How to get to Sardinia” blog post (link in show notes).
• Consultations: Personal travel consultations are available via a linked booking system.
• Relevant Links: All mentioned in the episode description.

This summary encapsulates all key information from Claudia Tavani’s practical, reassuring, and locally-informed style, providing clarity for travelers on how to navigate the periodic uncertainty around flights between mainland Italy and Sardinia.