Why You Should Never Fly into Florence, Italy!
November 10, 2026
“Sometimes the most convenient airport can turn into the biggest travel headache.”
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Florence, Italy, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but its airport is another story. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport has a relatively short runway, measuring approximately 5,740 feet, compared with roughly 9,820 feet at nearby Pisa International Airport. According to Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), that’s a difference of more than 4,000 feet. Combine that with Florence’s surrounding terrain and sensitivity to certain wind conditions, and you have an airport with significant operational limitations. While it operates under established aviation safety standards, unfavorable winds can disrupt flight schedules. And although shorter runways don’t necessarily mean harder landings, the experience can occasionally feel a bit more dramatic than passengers might prefer.
Recently, my wife and I experienced these challenges firsthand while returning from a wonderful vacation in Tuscany. Our Air France flight from Florence to Paris was delayed nearly three hours because of wind conditions, causing us to miss our connecting flight home to Dallas. What should have been a routine travel day turned into a two-day marathon. We spent an unplanned night at the Hilton at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, wearing the same clothes while waiting for our rebooked flight the following day. Meanwhile, our luggage apparently decided to extend its European vacation, taking a detour through Amsterdam before finally arriving back in the United States three days later. We made it home, but our suitcases clearly had other plans.
Here’s my advice. If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, particularly one involving international connections, seriously consider flying through Pisa instead of Florence. Pisa’s longer runway provides greater operational flexibility, although no airport is immune to weather-related delays. The additional ground transportation to Florence or the Tuscan countryside may be a small price to pay for greater peace of mind. Florence remains one of my favorite destinations in Italy, but the next time we visit, I’ll be looking very carefully at the alternatives. After all, a wonderful European vacation shouldn’t end with an unexpected overnight stay in Paris and a missing wardrobe.
The Takeaway: When traveling to Tuscany, convenience isn’t always everything. Florence’s airport may be closer to your destination, but Pisa’s longer runway and greater operational flexibility make it an alternative worth considering, particularly when connecting flights are involved. A little extra driving may save you considerable frustration. And take it from someone who learned the hard way: always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. Your luggage may have travel plans of its own.
