Perugia/S.Francesco Airport (LIRZ)

Perugia (LIRZ) is a semi-commercial airport with IFR and VFR procedures, including ILS and VOR/DME approaches. IFR arrivals require standard procedures with position reports and no radar support. PPR is required and can involve lengthy discussions about parking availability, especially when the airport is busy or during commercial traffic peaks. Parking may be limited to short durations such as 2 hours, particularly outside of hangar arrangements. Handling by Delta Aerotaxi is mandatory for GA, but services are minimal beyond escorting through security and collecting fees.

Fees are high for general aviation, driven by obligatory handling charges. For landings and short stays, examples include about €140 for a school landing with 1 hour ground time, about €210 for landing and handling, and about €180–€200 for landing plus three days of parking. Parking for one week including landing and handling can be about €150. Landings alone are typically over €40. Example: landing and three days parking about €180; landing plus one week parking about €150; two landings plus one night about €100; four days parking about €130. Taxi to Perugia or Assisi is around €30.

Facilities include a modern terminal, car rental offices (such as AVIS), and a restaurant. Fuel (Avgas and Jet A) is available but Avgas supply may be unreliable in summer, sometimes requiring taxiing to the aeroclub pump; BP card accepted for fuel payment. The fuel area can be uneven with potholes and adjacent scrap storage. No crew rooms are available on site.

Ground access is straightforward with short walking distances between aircraft stands and the terminal. Taxis to Perugia or Assisi cost around €30; car rentals are available directly at the airport.

Noise abatement rules may require jets to use specific runway directions regardless of wind; clarify with ATC if operating non-jet aircraft to avoid confusion. Departures to the northwest require a steep climb gradient (8.4%). Follow-me service may be provided but can lack coordination with tower; bring chocks for parking on asphalt.

Customs services are available without advance notice required for intra-Schengen flights; see AIP/NOTAM for details if needed.

LIRZ offers good infrastructure but high costs and procedural quirks make it best suited for those needing IFR access or customs in Umbria.