Europe's most scenic flight: this is how you book it

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.