Europe's most scenic flight: this is how you book it
New airline SkyAlps’ summer service from Gatwick to Bolzano is bringing the majestic Dolomites even closer, and quite literally with the view from the plane window
We’ve all been there, eyes glued to the plane window, while flying over the European Alps. On a clear day, there are very few more picturesque views from the air than the snowy peaks, jagged cliffs and secret valleys of a mountain range that connects eight countries.
Imagine flying at a lower altitude to enjoy an even closer look at the unfolding panorama. A new service from Gatwick to Bolzano has made this possible. Operated by SkyAlps, which launched in 2021, the flight offers incredible views of the Dolomites before landing in their gateway city in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
Josef Gostner, SkyAlps’ president, who is a pilot himself, says: “SkyAlps’ turboprop-powered plane flies much lower than regular jets, never exceeding 25,000 feet. This means that passengers can experience the Dolomites from a rarely seen perspective. Also, it results in fewer emissions and thus has a reduced climate impact.”
Another selling point is the lack of a middle seat in the aircraft – because it doesn’t exist.
The SkyAlps in-flight experience includes hand-picked wines from South Tyrolean producers and complimentary snacks including fennel-flavoured schuttelbrot, a regional bread.
The Bolzano route operated from Stansted during the winter and switched to Gatwick in April, from where the Italian airline is offering twice-weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, throughout the summer, from €184 each way. This direct route shortens the transfer times from Gatwick to the Dolomites when compared with travelling via Verona, Milan, Innsbruck or Venice. As a smaller regional airport, Bolzano also has the advantage of quicker processing times.
Gostner adds: “With this shortcut to the Dolomites we make sure travellers get the most out of their holiday, cutting transfer times almost in half. Onboard, we offer a complimentary premium experience with carefully selected snacks and awarded wines from the region. That way, passengers get a first taste of South Tyrol even before they arrive.”
Josef and his brothers Thomas and Ernst Gostner are successful entrepreneurs in South Tyrol. Together they have built up Fri-el Green Power, which specialises in the production and sale of electrical energy from renewable sources in Italy. In 2019, Josef Gostner took over Bolzano Airport as main shareholder. In order to maintain steady business, he decided to launch SkyAlps airline, which now connects 20+ cities in Europe.
Bolzano is a charismatic, lesser-known city with lots of events, culture and culinary experiences. Highlights include the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, the Fountain of Neptune and the Piazza delle Erbe, which dates back to the 13th century. Beyond the city, there are numerous hiking trails, vineyards and outdoor activities to explore.
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