After T1 security at BRI, Duty Free is basically it
This Duty Free sits airside in Terminal T1, right after security on the second floor, and regulars treat it as a last stop rather than a destination. The shop is small by Italian standards and share-of-wallet here skews heavily to local wine, limoncello-style liqueurs, and regional spirits stacked near the entrance. If you want a Puglia bottle to take home and skipped the city shops, this is the backup plan before boarding.
Opening hours generally track the first and last wave of departures, so figure roughly 06:00 to late evening when Ryanair and ITA Airways flights tail off. Pricing is similar to downtown Bari for mid-range wine, with spirits running a bit higher than city supermarkets. Don’t expect long aisles of cosmetics or luxury brands; this is closer in size to a large convenience store than Milan or Rome duty-free.
FlyerTalk users describe the whole airside level as “small with nothing to do”, and that includes this Duty Free’s limited shelves and gift racks. You’ll find standard chocolates, some local biscuits and olive-oil gift packs, but not much in the way of premium fashion or electronics. Shoppers who care about choice tend to buy in town, then use Duty Free only for last-minute top-ups or if their checked bag is already full.
Regulars on BA and Italy forums often time arrivals so they can eat in Bari city and show up at the airport about 90 minutes before departure, going straight through check-in and security at T1 and barely glancing at Duty Free. Watch out for small queues at the single checkout point during morning bank departures around 07:00–09:00. One practical move: decide your bottle or gift while you pass by, then loop back just before your gate shows “boarding” to avoid standing in line with your carry-on the whole time.