Aelia Duty Free sits just past security in T1
Aelia Duty Free is right after security in Terminal T1 at Bologna, so you basically walk through it on the way to the gates. Opening hours usually track the first and last departures, roughly 05:00 to around 22:00, but late-evening flights can mean shutters come down a bit early. If you need anything duty free before an early Ryanair or Wizz Air departure, plan to shop just after security rather than waiting until boarding.
Standard duty free lineup here: liquor, perfume, cosmetics, snacks, and some Bologna- and Italy-branded souvenirs. Spirits run from about €12 for basic liqueurs to €40–€60 for better whisky and gin. Fragrance gift sets often sit in the €40–€80 range. Prices are typical EU-airport duty free, so you might save a bit over downtown Bologna on higher-end alcohol and perfume, but everyday items like chocolate or toiletries are often within a euro or two of city supermarkets.
Food-wise, expect big-brand chocolate (Lindt, Ferrero, Toblerone) and travel snack packs near the central aisles. A family-size chocolate bag or assorted box is usually in the €8–€15 range. If you want something vaguely local, look for Italian wine DOC labels from Emilia-Romagna or balsamic vinegar gift sets; those usually sit around €10–€25. Fresh food is limited, so don’t rely on Aelia for a real meal before a 2‑hour flight.
One practical move: if you’re connecting through another Schengen airport after BLQ, buy liquids here in a STEB security bag and keep the receipt inside; that helps avoid issues at a second security check. Also, check multi-buy deals near the entrance — the 2‑for‑1 or 3‑for‑2 perfume and chocolate promos are where the actual savings usually hide.