Vienna Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Vienna International Airport, located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres southeast of central Vienna, is the largest airport in Austria. It is a hub for Austrian Airlines and low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport has three passenger terminals with a total passenger capacity of around 30 million travellers per year. In 2019, the airport saw 31.7 million passengers, making it the 16th or 17th largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. Vienna Airport is also one of the largest employers in Eastern Austria, employing an average of 5,074 full-time staff. The airport features a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to formal sit-down restaurants, and offers a dense network of European and long-haul international destinations.

Vienna Airport's passenger capacity

Vienna International Airport is Austria's largest airport, located about 18 kilometres southeast of Vienna. It has three passenger terminals with a total passenger capacity of around 30 million travellers per year. In 2019, the airport recorded 31,662,189 passengers, exceeding its capacity. The high number of passengers that year was attributed to the positive effects of long-haul connections, new flight connections, and frequency expansions by the airlines.

The airport's popularity has increased due to its high reliability and good transport connections. It features a dense network of European destinations and long-haul flights to Asia, North America, and Africa. It is the hub for Austrian Airlines and a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, Vienna Airport has undergone several refurbishments and expansions over the years. Terminal 2 was extensively modernised in 2022, and Terminal 3 is also being successively rebuilt. Additionally, a new building is under construction as of early 2024, called the T3 Southern Enlargement, which will offer 70,000 square metres of leisure area and 10,000 square metres for shops and restaurants. The building will also feature 18 new additional bus gates, including nine gates for Schengen Destinations and nine gates for non-Schengen Destinations.

Despite the expansions, there have been projections that a third runway will be necessary to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. Initially, it was projected that the third runway would be needed by 2012 or 2016 at the latest. However, environmental organisations and local communities have opposed the construction of a third runway, leading to delays in the project.

The airport's location and transport links

Vienna International Airport is located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of central Vienna, Austria's capital. It is 57 kilometres (35 miles) west of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The airport is conveniently located adjacent to motorway A4, which connects central Vienna to Budapest. It also has its own exit named Flughafen Wien-Schwechat.

The airport's central location in Europe makes it an important hub for travel to Central and Eastern Europe. It is the largest airport in Austria and serves as a hub for Austrian Airlines and a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. It offers a dense network of European destinations and long-haul flights to Asia, North America, and Africa.

Vienna International Airport has excellent transport links to the city centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) is a fast and dedicated express airport train that travels directly to the central Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes. The Wien Mitte station connects to the U3 and U4 subway lines for onward travel within Vienna. The CAT offers more comfort and space for luggage compared to other trains. However, it is more expensive, with tickets costing €14.90 for a single adult ticket.

The Vienna S-Bahn line S7 is a local service that takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the city centre. It is a slower and cheaper option than the CAT, with various stops throughout Vienna. Another option is the Railjet national trains, which travel directly to Wien Hauptbahnhof, Vienna's main railway station. As cross-country services, it is recommended to reserve a seat when booking in advance.

Buses are also available, with Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) operating various services to different destinations in Vienna. Their routes include the city centre (Schwedenplatz), Westbahnhof and Hauptbahnhof rail stations, the area around the VIECON/Messe Wien event venue, and the UN/Austria Centre. Additionally, taxi services are available at the airport, with booths located in the arrivals hall.

History of the airport

Vienna International Airport, also known as Wien-Schwechat Airport, is Austria's largest airport. Located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres southeast of central Vienna, it serves as a hub for Austrian Airlines and a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport features a dense network of European destinations, as well as long-haul flights to Asia, North America and Africa.

The history of Vienna International Airport dates back to 1938 when it was originally built as a military airport. During World War II, it served as the Heinkel firm's southern military aircraft design and production complex, known as the Heinkel-Süd facility. In 1945, the airport was taken over by the British and became RAF Schwechat during the occupation of the country.

In 1954, the Betriebsgesellschaft was founded, and the airport replaced Wien-Aspern Airport as Vienna's (and Austria's) principal aerodrome. Initially, there was just one runway, which was expanded in 1959 to a length of 3,000 metres (9,843 feet). The construction of a new airport building also began in 1959, with another runway added in 1972.

The airport continued to expand and improve its infrastructure over the years. In 1982, it was connected to the national motorway network (Ostautobahn). The enlarged arrivals hall was opened in 1986, followed by the opening of Pier East with eight jet bridges in 1988. On 27 December 1985, the airport experienced a terrorist attack by Abu Nidal, a Palestinian organisation, which simultaneously targeted the Fiumicino Airport in Rome.

In 1992, Flughafen Wien AG, the airport operator, was privatised. The state of Lower Austria and the City of Vienna each hold 20% of the shares, while the private employee participation foundation holds 10%, with the remaining 50% held privately.

In recent years, Vienna International Airport has continued to develop and modernise its facilities. In 2006, a new 109-metre (358-foot) control tower began operating, offering a comprehensive view of the airport and a night laser show for passengers. The airport has also undergone refurbishments and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, including the ongoing construction of the T3 Southern Enlargement, which is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Vienna Airport's role as a hub

Vienna International Airport, located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of central Vienna, is the largest airport in Austria. It is a hub for Austrian Airlines, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, and is also a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport offers a dense network of European destinations, particularly to Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to Asia, North America and Africa.

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled 31.7 million passengers, making it the 16th or 17th largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. The airport has three passenger terminals with a total passenger capacity of around 30 million travellers per year. However, in 2019, the airport slightly exceeded its capacity, handling almost 32 million passengers. To accommodate the increasing passenger numbers, the airport has been undergoing refurbishments and expansions. Terminal 2 was modernised in 2022, and Terminal 3 is also being rebuilt to offer more leisure space and bus gates for both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.

Vienna Airport is favoured by its central location in Europe, serving as an important hub for destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. It benefits from a large catchment area that includes parts of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, in addition to Austria. The airport is easily accessible from the Vienna city centre, with a travel time of approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending on the mode of transport. Buses operate from the airport to various places in Vienna and other cities such as Bratislava, Budapest, and Brno. Additionally, there is a train station directly below the airport, providing connections to local and long-distance transport.

The airport is a significant employer in Eastern Austria, providing a wide range of services for airport operations. These services include flight operations, ground handling, security, and commercial activities such as duty-free shopping and dining. Vienna International Airport offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries and fast food to formal sit-down restaurants. The airport also caters to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Dining options at the airport

Vienna International Airport, located in Schwechat, 18 km southeast of central Vienna, is the largest airport in Austria. It serves as a hub for Austrian Airlines and as a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport offers a dense network of European destinations and long-haul flights to Asia, North America, and Africa.

Vienna International Airport offers a variety of dining options for travellers. For those looking for a quick bite or a cup of coffee, there are several cafes located within the airport, including Costa Coffee, Cafe Bistro Johann Strauss, and Aida. These cafes offer a range of baked goods, soups, and other light refreshments. Additionally, travellers can enjoy Austrian and European cuisine at restaurants such as Bieder&maier, located near the departure area in Terminal 3.

For a more upscale dining experience, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar offers top cuisine and free parking for guests who spend a certain amount. This restaurant is accessible to all, even those who are not flying to or from the airport. The airport also features a variety of shops and restaurants in the T3 Southern Enlargement, a new building that will provide 70,000 square meters of leisure space. This includes 10,000 square meters dedicated to shops and restaurants, offering travellers even more dining and leisure options.

With the airport's high reliability and good transport connections, it is a popular choice for travellers, and the range of dining options ensures that everyone can find something to suit their taste and budget. Whether it's a quick coffee and pastry or a sit-down meal, Vienna International Airport has plenty of choices to offer.

Frequently asked questions