Free Water Refill Stations Are Spreading Across Italian Airports — Here’s Where You Can Refill Your Bottle Before Boarding

Traveling through Italy is about to get a little more sustainable — and a lot more convenient. By the end of 2025, passengers departing from 22 Italian airports will be able to refill their bottles for free once past security, thanks to a nationwide initiative led by Assaeroporti, the association that brings together Italy’s main airport operators.

The goal is simple but powerful: to make air travel in Italy greener and more comfortable by reducing single-use plastic bottles. It’s a practical step that combines environmental responsibility with passenger convenience — something that travelers everywhere can appreciate.

A growing network of refill-friendly airports

Until recently, free water dispensers were available only in a handful of airports such as Milan Malpensa, Linate, Naples, Bologna, Cagliari, Turin, Olbia, and Alghero. But in 2025, the list has grown significantly.

Read also: Getting from Malpensa Airport to Milan Center and Best Ways to Get from Linate Airport to Milan City Center

Among the most recent updates, refill points have already been activated at Bergamo, Palermo, and Cuneo. And the rollout continues: by the end of the year, passengers flying from Catania, Pisa, Florence, Trieste, Trapani, Pescara, Rimini, Comiso, and Salerno will also be able to top up their bottles at no cost.

Read also: How to Get from Florence Airport to the City Center

Even airports that operate independently from the Assaeroporti network — like Genoa and Grosseto — already ensure access to drinking water inside the boarding areas, using their own systems. The message is clear: sustainability has become a shared priority across Italy’s aviation industry.

Why this matters for travelers

If you’ve ever had to toss your water bottle before going through airport security and then paid several euros for a new one inside, you’ll know how frustrating that can be. The introduction of free refill stations after the security checks means you can now carry an empty bottle through screening and fill it up before boarding — saving money and avoiding unnecessary waste.

It’s a small but meaningful improvement in the passenger experience, especially for frequent flyers, families, and environmentally conscious travelers. In a time when many airports are criticized for overcharging for basic services, Italy’s move to offer free water access stands out as a traveler-friendly and eco-conscious gesture.

A step toward more sustainable airports

This initiative is part of a broader trend that’s transforming Italy’s airports into more sustainable hubs. Many terminals have already introduced LED lighting, solar panels, and waste-reduction programs — and free refill stations are the latest addition to this greener approach.

According to Assaeroporti, the aim is to reduce single-use plastic consumption, improve water accessibility, and raise awareness among passengers about sustainable behaviors while traveling. It’s also a signal that airports are listening to modern travelers’ expectations: people want comfort and convenience, but not at the planet’s expense.

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What travelers can expect

While each airport manages the refill service differently, the common thread is that water is always free, safe to drink, and available beyond security checkpoints — where passengers spend most of their waiting time. The refill points may take different forms, from sleek, touch-free dispensers to simple drinking fountains, depending on the airport’s design and renovation plans.

At Milan Malpensa and Linate, for instance, the refill points are already integrated into the modern airport layout, close to departure gates and food courts. In Bologna and Cagliari, they are clearly signposted and easy to find even for first-time visitors. Other airports are expected to follow similar standards as they complete their installations.

A small change, a big impact

It may sound like a small gesture, but it represents a major shift in how Italy approaches air travel. Offering free water refill stations is more than a convenience — it’s a statement of values. It encourages travelers to make sustainable choices, reduces waste at scale, and helps make Italy’s airports cleaner, friendlier, and more future-oriented.

So next time you fly from Milan, Florence, or Palermo, don’t forget to bring your reusable bottle. After all, Italy’s airports are proving that sustainability can begin with something as simple — and essential — as a sip of water.

Tip: If you’re flying from Milan and want to travel more sustainably, consider using a digital eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. You can stay connected abroad without plastic packaging or roaming costs — use our Holafly Discount Code “TIPS” for 5% off any plan.