Florence and San Sebastian: What Happens When the Airbus A319 Finally retires?

2 July 2026 | Blog #36

Among Europe's airports, Florence (FLR) and San Sebastián (EAS) share a characteristic that is becoming increasingly relevant for airline fleet planners: both rely heavily on the Airbus A319 because of operational constraints that limit the use of larger narrowbody aircraft. Florence operates with a runway of just 1,560 metres, while San Sebastián offers 1,800 metres. While the Airbus A319 has gradually disappeared from many airline fleets, these airports still depend on its unique combination of capacity, runway performance and operational flexibility. The question is therefore not whether the A319 will eventually leave these markets. The real question is: What replaces it?

Why Florence is a Special Case

Florence's runway is only 1,560 metres (5,118 ft) long, making it one of the most constrained commercial airports in Europe. The challenge is not the runway alone.

FLR combines:

• a very short runway by modern narrowbody standards,
• surrounding terrain and obstacle limitations,
• operational restrictions on arrivals and departures,
• and hot Tuscan summer temperatures that degrade aircraft performance. 

Under these conditions, payload becomes a critical factor. Airlines may have to limit passenger numbers, cargo, or fuel uplift to remain within performance margins. This explains why Florence has historically been an airport where smaller narrowbodies such as the A319, Avro RJ series and regional jets have performed particularly well.

Vueling's Florence Dilemma?

Vueling maintains a local base in Florence and today operates six Airbus A319s with an average fleet age of approximately 19 years. Florence is one of the airline's established bases. At first glance, fleet renewal appears straightforward. However, Vueling's recently allocated Boeing 737 MAX order may not solve Florence's specific challenge. In 2025, IAG confirmed that Vueling will become the operator of 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (25 MAX 8-200 and 25 MAX 10), with deliveries beginning from late 2026. The first aircraft are expected to be based in Barcelona. The issue is that both MAX variants are significantly larger than the A319. The MAX 8-200 can seat around 200 passengers, while the MAX 10 is even larger.

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Photo Credit: MarcelIX42