Trapani Air Base (Trapani–Birgi Airport)
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Location | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Operating Organization | Italian Air Force |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 37.9114°N, 12.4880°E |
| IATA code | TPS |
| ICAO code | LICT |
Description
Trapani Air Base, officially Vincenzo Florio Airport, is a dual-use military and civilian facility located in western Sicily between the cities of Trapani and Marsala. Developed in the early 1960s, the installation began hosting military and civilian aviation activities in 1964. During the 1970s, the airport underwent reorganization to establish distinct operational zones for military use.
The Italian Air Force operates the base, which serves as the station for the 37° Stormo (37th Fighter Wing). The unit is tasked with the surveillance and defense of Italian airspace. The wing operates Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and maintains quick-reaction alert capabilities from the site.
Additionally, the base functions as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. In this role, the facility provides support for E-3 aircraft assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen. Military infrastructure at the site is maintained year-round to support national and NATO air defense requirements, including separate operational areas and maintenance facilities for hosted aircraft.