The people of Bologna promote Marconi airport. Of course, there would need to be a change in infrastructure, from car parks to internal spaces. But, overall, 94% of the citizens of the Two Towers consider the airport important for the development of the territory, with positive repercussions for Bologna, the region, the province and the entire national territory.
The photograph comes from the investigation by the Piepoli Institute which interviewed 1,500 citizens of Bologna, 900 who live under the Two Towers and the rest in the province and on the border with Modena, then based on two focus groups (one with residents in the airport area, i.e. Borgo Panigale and Navile, the other with the other citizens). From the research (presented yesterday, during a complex day for the airport, given that it was closed for a couple of hours following an error at the baggage check which triggered the security alarm) it emerges that 89% of those interviewed is satisfied with the quality of life in the municipality and in the area of residence. The dissatisfied are 11% and, among these, surprisingly, it is not the noise of flights, the subject of an ordinance by the Municipality of Bologna to limit it, that affects the lives of the people of Bologna. In fact, two out of ten Bolognese complain about the lack of safety, while 15% complain about the lack of services and transport. But if Bulgarian majorities consider the port to be fundamental for tourism, the economy and employment, there are also those who ask for a greater effort from Marconi, primarily on infrastructure. The survey by the Piepoli Institute shows that at the top of the minds of 39% of those interviewed are car parks, the excessive proximity of the airport to the city, the limited internal spaces, the long times for baggage collection and the lack of taxis in peak hours. 19%, however, ask for more flights and connections and 17% focus on interventions to improve the road network to reach Marconi.
A chapter of the report is dedicated to the anti-noise measures (such as the limitation of night flights) implemented by the airport, showing that more than 4 out of 10 interviewees know about the ongoing initiatives. 46% promote solutions to contain the noise impact aimed at reconciling airport development and the well-being of the communities, while 36% push for new anti-noise solutions without however limiting the operations of the Marconi. 5%, however, considered the measures insufficient.
“The results outline a picture of general satisfaction for Bologna Airport – says CEO Nazareno Ventola –. Of course, infrastructural improvements are needed, as we knew. And we are working on it”. President Enrico Postacchini agrees: “The survey photographs reality. Of course we are here to do better. There are those who experience some discomfort due to noise, but they are a minority”.
Rosalba Carbutti
