Bari Reinvents Itself as a New Tourist Gateway with Direct U.S. Flights

Antonio Maria Vasile launched an initiative two years ago to establish a direct air connection between the United States and Puglia, the southeastern region of Italy known as the heel of the boot, a place where many Italian Americans trace their roots.

As the director of Puglia’s airports, Vasile advocated for airlines to focus on Bari rather than more traditional southern hubs like Naples or Sicily, emphasizing the city’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and renowned cuisine.

He expressed a desire to overcome the longstanding economic and social stereotypes that have overshadowed southern Italy, stating, "We refuse to be dismissed as just the south," highlighting the region’s potential beyond common prejudices.

His persistence bore fruit late last year when the Italian airline Neos announced the inauguration of weekly direct flights between Bari and New York’s JFK Airport, commencing in early June. This marks the first time Puglia has been directly linked to the United States by air, with the seasonal service continuing through October.

Vasile envisions this new air route opening economic opportunities throughout Puglia, benefiting everything from countryside bed-and-breakfasts to coastal towns, while also revitalizing Bari, a city with a population of approximately 330,000.