The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
At CTA, AirportAssist offers fast-track clearance through check-in, security screening, and passport control - a real advantage when summer charters or holiday crowds build up. Your personal assistant guides you right through priority lanes, monitors wait times and chooses the quickest path to your gate. This is especially helpful when flying during peak hours or heading toward tight connections. With fast-track, you can avoid the standard bottlenecks and start your journey relaxed rather than rushed.
AirportAssist’s Meet & Greet begins the moment you land or arrive at the terminal: A friendly rep greets you at the jetway or in the arrivals hall, assists with customs and baggage claim, and will see you to your transport, next check-in desk, or to the lounge. At departures, we have our concierges who check you in, tag your bags, and see you through security to your gate. We find this level of service ideal for first-time visitors to Sicily, families with kids or travellers with lots of luggage.
Catania Airport offers lounges such as the VIP “Angelo D’Arrigo” Lounge (airside, near Gates 5-6) and the “Piazza Vincenzo Bellini” lounge operated by the local carrier. With AirportAssist, you get into a private, tranquil area which includes food and beverages, free Wi-Fi, work spaces and seating perfect for while away the time on a long wait, delay or early flight. Also, our agent will take you right to the lounge by your gate, out of the bustle of the terminal.
For those seeking a premium airport experience at CTA, AirportAssist offers VIP escorting from curb to aircraft. This includes check-in support, priority handling, personalised help with security and documentation, and coordination with ground transport or rental cars. The service aims to make the travel flow seamless - especially valued by business travellers, groups, or anyone wanting privacy and comfort. It’s a smooth, well-managed way to pass through Sicily’s busiest airport.
Travelling with kids, seniors, or any who require extra help, we have AirportAssist at CTA for you. We arrange the wheelchairs and strollers, we help out at the elevators, we guide you to the family and baby facilities, and we see to it that you get through the terminals more easily. For families and guests with mobility issues, this turns what may be very stressful into a much more tranquil experience.
With baggage trolleys, many rental-car counters, and often full arrival halls, CTA can get cumbersome with heavy or multiple bags. AirportAssist provides porter help: At baggage claim or at the curbside, a professional greets you, collects your luggage, and brings you to the taxi, car rental, or check-in counters. For departures, porters handle your bags from the curbside through check- in which also includes relieving you of heavy lifting, which is especially useful after a long flight or when you have a tight connection.
If you’re connecting through CTA - perhaps from a domestic flight to a European route, or between different airlines - AirportAssist offers full transit support. At the airport, the agent greets you, will assist with passport control, which may be required, also we’ll help with which terminal you should go to (A or C according to your carrier), and we’ll get you to your next gate or check-in desk. Also, should your bags need to be rechecked or your connection be tight, we’ll see that it is handled smoothly for a stress-free transition.
CTA can see large volumes at times, which is most noticeable during the summer and holiday seasons. For domestic to domestic flights, 2 hours is sufficient; for international or Schengen to non-Schengen connections, we are looking at 2.5 to 3 hours. Also, if you have to check in luggage or change airlines, add more time.
During peak hours, security and passport control queues lengthen quickly. Fast-track services (or AirportAssist) can help you glide through with minimal waiting - useful if you arrive shortly before departure or have tight connections.
CTA has Main Terminal A and Schengen low-cost Terminal C. Some airlines, like easyJet, use Terminal C. We recommend that you check which terminal your flight is at to avoid confusion or extra walking.
With frequent flights and possible delays, waiting in the general departure hall can be crowded. Lounges like “Angelo D’Arrigo” or the ITA Airways lounge offer calm, refreshments, charging points and Wi-Fi - a pleasant way to spend a longer layover.
Although CTA has free Wi-Fi and basic connectivity, SIM-card desks inside may be limited or more expensive. For better rates and coverage, buy a local Italian SIM or eSIM once you reach Catania city.
The airport is an 8-minute drive; that’s for a little over 4 km from the city centre. Also, we have the Alibus, which is very frequent between the airport and the city centre train station, a great option for short stayovers or brief visits.
If you are flying on one airline into the airport and out on another (or what we call split tickets), you may have to check and recheck your bags. That process can be slow at very busy times. It’s best to leave yourself plenty of time or use the AirportAssist baggage help.
Rental car desks at CTA get crowded during morning or evening arrival waves. To avoid delays, plan extra time. AirportAssist can escort you to the right desk quickly.
Especially with low-cost and charter flights, CTA has frequent gate reassignments - keep an eye on the display boards and announcements. If you’re unsure, your assistant can track changes for you.
Some airport cafés and shops may close after late flights. If you arrive late, grab a snack, water or essentials early upon arrival. Lounges or vending kiosks (if open) can also help.
