Geneva Airport Guide
Located 4km northwest of the city centre, Geneva International airport serves as major gateway to the numerous surrounding ski resorts. With a location running along the Swiss-French border Geneva airport has terminals that can be accessed from both countries. This location makes Geneva a popular transport hub for travelling to ski resorts in both France and Switzerland.
Originally known as Cointrin – the airport started in 1919 as a field where planes could land at their own risk. Almost 100 years on and Geneva is rated as one of the top airports in Europe where one plane takes off or lands every minute and over 15 million passengers arrive each year.
Passenger numbers have grown consistently for almost thirty years, and look set to continue in the future as more airlines offer services to this clean and efficient airport. One large single runway serves two passenger terminals – Terminal 1 where the majority of flights land, and Terminal 2 which is predominantly kept for charter flights during the winter.
Incoming and outgoing flights are mainly from within the European area, but Geneva airport does also serve long-haul destinations such as North America and China. Major airlines using Geneva airport for scheduled and charter flights include; British Airways, Easyjet, Flybe, Jet2, Aer Lingus and many others.
An influx of low-cost flights from the UK and Europe has seen Geneva airport become arguably the most important flight centre for skiers and snowboarders. During the winter season thousands of travellers take advantage of cheap commercial flights and charter flights from tour operators to arrive and depart in Geneva.
Onward travel to Swiss ski resorts is possible via car or train, but perhaps the most popular destinations from Geneva airport lie within France. Big name resorts like Chamonix and Morzine are approximately one hour by private transfer, while Val Thorens, Meribel & Val Thorens lie around a three hour drive away.
