Innsbruck Airport Guide
Innsbruck airport, known locally as Kranebitten airport, is the largest international airport in Western Austria. Operating year-round, Innsbruck airport’s passenger numbers increase dramatically during the winter months as skiers and snowboarders take advantage of its location near many of Austria’s best ski resorts. The airport is known as the gateway to the Tyrol region, but it is possible to reach many ski resorts quickly and conveniently from Innsbruck.
The airport is located approximately 4 kilometres from the centre of Innsbruck city. It was opened in 1925 originally, but the current passenger terminal was created for the 1964 Winter Olympics which was hosted by the city. The terminal building is due to be replaced by a larger, more modern structure in 2019.
Innsbruck airport is relatively small but has generally modern facilities for travellers to enjoy. The airport has beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains which are regarded as iconic by aviators. Unfortunately for pilots, Innsbruck airport also has a notoriously difficult approach through a deep mountain valley with changeable cross winds and currents. It has been designated as a category C airport meaning only pilots with special training are qualified to land there.
Many airlines operate regular timetabled flights in and out of Innsbruck airport and it is possible to find cheap and convenient flights from most of Europe. Airlines using Innsbruck on their regular routes include; Austrian Airlines, EasyJet, FlyBe & TUI Flight from Ireland. Many more charter flights operate in the winter months to take advantage of Innsbruck’s close proximity to Austria’s ski resorts. For those transferring on to ski holidays by road the motorway is easily accessible and over 20 fantastic ski resorts including Kuhtai, Ischgl, & Soll can be reached within an hour from Innsbruck airport.
