Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.
Last month, I spent a lovely weekend in Italy’s Dolomites, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. You can read my trip reports here:
- Review: Skyalps Dash DHC-8 Q400 from Antwerp to Bolzano (today)
- Review: 5-star COMO Alpina Dolomites
Review: Skyalps Dash DHC-8 Q400 flight from Antwerp to Bolzano
I recently flew with SkyAlps, a small Italian airline that most travelers have probably never heard of, on a short hop from Antwerp (Belgium) to Bolzano, in the heart of the Dolomites. SkyAlps is a boutique regional airline that focuses on connecting smaller airports directly to Bolzano, making it one of the few options for reaching the Dolomites without passing through a major hub. My experience with SkyAlps was very positive: the airport experience was effortless, with almost no waiting time; the flight was short, on time, and efficient; and the onboard service included some thoughtful regional touches. The highlight of the trip, however, was the incredible view of the Alps and the spectacular landing in Bolzano, widely considered one of the most beautiful landings in the world.
Have you ever flown with SkyAlps? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.
- Trip: Antwerp (ANR) to Bolzano (BZO)
- Airline: Skyalps
- Aircraft type: DASH DHC-8 Q400
- On time departure: yes (12 pm)
- On time arrival: yes (13:45 pm)
- Miles: 52.3 miles (727.9 kilometers
- Flight time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Seat: 1A
- Class: Economy Class
I made a YouTube video with impressions during this flight, which you can watch below. The video includes jaw-dropping views of the Alps.
I’ll discuss the following topics in this review of my flight with SkyAlps:
- About SkyAlps
- Antwerp Airport
- The DASH DHC-8 Q400 experience
- Onboard service
- Scenic views and landing at Bolzano
Antwerp International Airport
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin
Inflight magazine
Snacks
Views during cruise
Views during landing1. About SkyAlps
SkyAlps is a regional airline based in Bolzano, Italy, founded in the early 2020s with the goal of re-establishing scheduled air connections to and from the Dolomites. The airline focuses on linking smaller airports directly to Bolzano, offering travelers a direct gateway to the Dolomites. Other nearby airports, such as Innsbruck, Venice, or Milan, are farther away and usually require a two- to three-hour ground transfer to reach the mountains.
SkyAlps serves destinations across Italy and parts of Europe, including Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia. The airline primarily operates a fleet of De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops. These aircraft are well-suited for short-haul regional flights: they are fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, and capable of operating from shorter runways, making them ideal for airports such as Bolzano.
In its early operations, some SkyAlps flights were operated by Luxwing, a Malta-based regional carrier, under partnership agreements. This arrangement helped SkyAlps maintain service and establish routes while building its own fleet and crew. In January 2023, SkyAlps obtained its own Italian Air Operator Certificate (AOC), granting the airline full independence to operate flights with its own aircraft. Some flights are still operated by Luxwing, depending on scheduling and operational needs.
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q4002. Antwerp Airport
My flight took off from Antwerp International Airport, a small regional airport located in the Belgian city of Antwerp. Antwerp International Airport has been serving commercial flights, business jets, and general aviation since 1923. Compared with larger hubs such as Brussels or Amsterdam, the airport feels quiet and easy to navigate. Check-in, security, and boarding were all very quick, and the single terminal makes it possible to walk from the curb to the gate in just a few minutes.
The airport has only a few scheduled flights per day — around three on most days — which can make you wonder how such operations are sustainable. Amenities are limited but functional, including one café and a seating area, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and straightforward. The runway, at roughly 1,500 meters (about 4,921 feet), can only accommodate smaller aircraft such as regional jets and turboprops, which suits flights like Antwerp to Bolzano perfectly.
Antwerp International Airport
Antwerp International Airport
Antwerp International Airport Antwerp International Airport3. The Dash DHC-8 Q400 experience
The entire SkyAlps fleet consists of modern, quiet, and compact regional aircraft, all of them Dash DHC-8-Q400 turboprops. Each SkyAlps Dash DHC-8-Q400 can accommodate up to 76 passengers in a single-cabin economy layout, with seats arranged in a 2-2 layout. The seating is simple but comfortable for short flights, and large windows provide excellent views of the landscapes below.
The Dash 8-400 is particularly well-suited for operations at airports with short runways, like Bolzano, thanks to its excellent short-field performance. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engines, which allow the aircraft to cruise at speeds of up to 667 km/h (approximately 360 knots) while maintaining fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with regional jets. The aircraft also has a service ceiling of around 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) and a range of roughly 2,500 km (1,350 nautical miles), making it versatile for European regional routes.
One of the advantages of the Dash 8-400 is that it typically flies at a lower altitude than regional jets. This means passengers get a closer, more detailed view of the Alps during the flight, making the approach into Bolzano especially scenic. The distinctive propeller hum adds character to the journey and is quieter than older turboprops, producing less noise during takeoff and landing.
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin
SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin SkyAlps De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 cabin4. Onboard service
The service is not a full meal offering, but it provides a simple and enjoyable addition to the flight. Passengers are offered a selection of snacks and drinks, including regional products from South Tyrol:
- A rotating selection of four DOC wines is offered each month, all produced exclusively in South Tyrol. The “Alto Adige DOC” designation guarantees certified origin and quality, with a choice of regional reds and whites.
- Beer lovers can try Forst 1857, a light, golden lager with subtle floral hop notes, or its non-alcoholic version, Forst 0.0, brewed in Algund since 1857.
- For those who prefer spirits, Roner Gin Z44 is served, a dry gin highlighting juniper with light hints of alpine herbs and stone pine.
- A non-alcoholic alternative is also available. Red Moon 99.6 Sparkling, a non-alcoholic apple aperitif produced in Bolzano, offers a gently sparkling fruity drink with no added sugar or preservatives.
- Soft drinks include Meraner Mineralwasser still and sparkling, Limestone organic tonic water in several flavors, and Leni’s apple juices made from locally pressed apples.
- Coffee is supplied by Alps Coffee, a South Tyrolean brand known for slow-roasted beans and clean, nuanced flavors.
- Snacks range from Loacker wafers and Ultner Schüttelbrot, a thin, crunchy rye bread, to seasonal yogurt from Mila or Latteria Vipiteno, and Froomy organic fruit purées.
- Tea and herbal infusions from Pompadour are also available, including South Tyrolean mountain herb blends.
Hand sanitizing wipe
Inflight magazine Inflight magazine
Inflight magazine Snacks
Snacks
Snacks5. Scenic views and landing at Bolzano
The approach to Bolzano is one of the most memorable parts of the flight. As the aircraft descends, the proximity to the mountains adds a sense of drama and excitement, giving a real sense of arrival in the heart of the Dolomites.
Bolzano Airport has a relatively short runway—just under 1,400 meters (around 4,600 feet)—and is surrounded by mountains, which requires precise handling by the pilots. The aircraft must follow a carefully planned approach path, often using steeper descent angles than at larger airports. The Dash 8-400’s strong short-field performance and maneuverability make it well-suited to this type of landing.
Views during cruise
Views during cruise Views during landing*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
