Gate-side duty free in T1 covers the basics at Aelia
Aelia Duty Free sits airside in Terminal T1, after security, so you can duck in on the way to your gate without backtracking. It’s the main duty free option at Falcone–Borsellino Airport, so any last-minute gifts or liquids over 100 ml need to come from here.
Standard duty free mix: alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, plus a shelf or two of Sicilian products like local wines and sweets. Prices track typical EU airport duty free levels, so spirits and cigarettes can be a deal versus buying in Palermo city, while cosmetics and fragrance often match big-city high-street pricing.
For quick wins, look for 1L spirits multipacks, chocolate boxes in the 10–20 EUR range, and regional wine bottles clearly tagged with Sicily DOC or IGT labels. The shop keeps seasonal promos near the central walkway, so walk at least 10–15 meters inside instead of grabbing the first thing by the entrance.
Payment is straightforward: cards widely accepted, including contactless, plus euros in cash. Remember your boarding pass; staff usually scan it at the till to apply the correct duty free rules based on your destination, especially on non‑EU flights from T1.
Tip: hit Aelia Duty Free before sitting down at your gate in T1; lines spike in the 30 minutes before departures to major EU hubs like FCO and MXP.