Aviano Air Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Aviano, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Installation Type: Air Base
Status: Active

Overview

Aviano Air Base is located in northeastern Italy at the foot of the Dolomite Alps, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Venice. Established as an Italian Air Force base in the early 20th century, it became a key U.S. installation during the Cold War and today serves as the primary U.S. Air Force base in southern Europe. Its primary mission is to project airpower in support of NATO commitments and USAFE theater operations.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide combat-ready airpower in support of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and NATO Alliance operations across the European theater.
Major Units:
31st Fighter Wing (31 FW) — host wing, equipped with F-16C/D Fighting Falcons
31st Operations Group
31st Mission Support Group
31st Maintenance Group
31st Medical Group
Tenant Units: Detachment 1, 724th Air Mobility Squadron; various NATO liaison elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Pordenone, approximately 15 km south; Venice approximately 100 km southwest
Nearest Commercial Airport: Trieste — Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS), approximately 80 km east; Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), approximately 100 km southwest
Gate Access: The main gate operates 24 hours with CAC or valid DoD identification required for base access. Visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC). Italian nationals and NATO personnel follow separate verification procedures.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 4,500–5,000
Family Members: Approximately 6,000–7,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500 (U.S. and Italian)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 12,000–14,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 31st Medical Group — Aviano clinic with primary and specialty care; serious cases may be referred to Italian national hospitals or Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Main Exchange (BX) with retail, electronics, auto, and food court; gas station on base
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers at multiple locations; outdoor pool; bowling center; outdoor recreation; Malga Prai ski chalet near Piancavallo; golf not on base but nearby courses exist
Schools: DoDEA Aviano Elementary School and Aviano Middle/High School located on base
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; school-age care available; waitlists common — enroll early through the installation CDC
Veterinary Services: Veterinary treatment facility on base offering preventive care, vaccinations, and limited treatment for DoD-sponsored pets
Legal Assistance / JAG: 31st Fighter Wing Legal Office — appointment-based with some walk-in hours for simple matters; located in the Mission Support Group area

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities; mix of single-family homes and townhomes in on-base neighborhoods; condition is generally good with renovation programs ongoing
Average Wait Time: Wait times vary by rank and family size; E1–E5 typically 3–9 months; senior enlisted and officers may have shorter waits
Off-Base Housing: Abundant off-base housing available in surrounding communities including Aviano town, Pordenone, Sacile, Cordenons, and Roveredo in Piano; average rents range from EUR 600–1,200/month for apartments to EUR 1,000–2,000/month for houses depending on size and location
BAH Rate Reference: Check current Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit’s first sergeant or orderly room to request a sponsor prior to arrival; the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) also coordinates sponsorship
In-Processing: Report to the 31st Mission Support Group in-processing center; plan for approximately 3–5 days of in-processing appointments; newcomer orientation is mandatory
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 31st Medical Group; enrollment required before PCS orders are finalized; contact the EFMP coordinator for special needs assessments and local support resources

OCONUS-Specific Information

SOFA Status: Italy-U.S. SOFA (supplemental agreement to NATO SOFA) governs the legal status of U.S. personnel. U.S. service members are subject to U.S. military jurisdiction for on-duty offenses and Italian jurisdiction for off-duty civilian offenses. The agreement provides certain protections and defines criminal jurisdiction between the two nations.
Host Nation Rules: Italian law applies off base. Respect local customs, noise ordinances, and property laws. Public drinking and disorderly conduct are strictly regulated. Some Italian municipalities around Aviano have specific ordinances regarding noise near residential areas.
Curfew Policy: No USAFE-wide installation curfew for adults; junior enlisted members (E1–E4) may be subject to unit-level curfews depending on commander policy. Minors follow standard dependent curfew guidance.
Ration Card / Customs: Italy does not use a formal ration card system. However, duty-free purchase limits apply for alcohol, tobacco, and certain goods brought through Italian customs. Personnel should be aware of Italian customs limits when traveling and re-entering Italy.
Vehicle Registration & Licensing: U.S. personnel must obtain a USAFE driver’s license endorsement and register vehicles with Italian authorities through the base Pass and Registration office. Italian host nation driver’s license or a valid U.S. license with a translation/international driving permit may be required depending on duration of stay. Vehicles must meet Italian safety and emissions standards or have a SOFA exemption. NATO SOFA license plates are used for registered vehicles.
Language & Culture: Italian is the official language. English is not widely spoken outside the base and tourist areas. Italian language classes are available through the A&FRC and education center. Learning basic Italian phrases is strongly encouraged. Cultural norms include more formal greetings and dress expectations in public settings.
Currency & Banking: Euro (EUR) is the local currency. On-base banking includes a Navy Federal Credit Union branch and ATMs. Off-base ATMs are widely available. Currency exchange is available on base and in local towns.
Travel Restrictions: No special leave area restrictions for Italy; travel within the Schengen Area does not require additional military travel approval, but personnel should notify their chain of command per unit SOP. Travel to non-Schengen countries may require command notification.
Mail: APO AE 09604 — allow 7–14 days for CONUS packages via standard APO mail; Priority Mail generally 7–10 days
Pets: Italy does not impose quarantine for pets arriving from the U.S. if they meet EU pet passport requirements — rabies vaccination, microchip (ISO standard), and EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Certain dog breeds classified as dangerous under Italian law may face local restrictions. Contact the Aviano Veterinary Clinic for current import requirements before travel.

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Four distinct seasons; warm Mediterranean-influenced summers (28–33 degrees Celsius); cold winters with frequent fog in the Friuli plain; snowfall occurs and nearby Dolomites offer excellent skiing from December through March
Cost of Living: Moderate by Italian standards; Pordenone area is less expensive than northern Italian cities like Milan or Venice; OHA generally covers reasonable off-base housing costs
Nearby Attractions: Venice (approximately 1 hour); Dolomite Mountains and ski resorts (Piancavallo, Cortina d’Ampezzo); Trieste and Slovenian coast; numerous medieval towns, vineyards (Prosecco DOC region), and hiking trails
Spouse Employment: Italian work permits are required for most off-base employment; the Aviano Military Spouse Employment Program through A&FRC assists with resume and networking; some remote/telework opportunities available; NAF positions on base are a common option

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.aviano.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: +39 0434 30-1110 (DSN: 632-1110)
MWR Website: https://www.avianomwr.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — located in the Community Center; contact via DSN 632-7626 or commercial +39 0434-30-7626

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: Training knowledge (cutoff August 2025); aviano.af.mil; DTMO OHA reference; DoDEA school locator; Hunt Military Communities; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law