
Innsbruck Airport (IATA: INN, ICAO: LOWI), also known as Kranebitten Airport, is located in western Austria and is the largest international airport in Tyrol. The airport is known for its difficult approach due to the surrounding terrain and is categorised as a Category C airport, requiring pilots to undergo special training before operating there. The airport has various ATC positions, including LOWI_TWR and LOWI_APP, which play crucial roles in managing the complex airspace and ensuring safe arrivals and departures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Airport Name | Innsbruck Airport |
IATA | INN |
ICAO | LOWI |
Location | Tyrol, Austria |
Distance from Innsbruck City Centre | 2.3-4 km |
Runway Use | Runway 08 for departures, Runway 26 for arrivals |
Transponder Use on Ground | Mode S transponder is mandatory |
De-Icing Procedures | De-Icing is available at the stand |
Noise Abatement Procedures | Refer to the AIP of Austria |
Speed Restrictions | Maximum airspeed below 10,000ft in class D, E and G airspace is 250 KTS IAS |
Runway Characteristics | Runway is not in line with the valley; the approach and takeoff are not straight |
Wind Conditions | "Föhn", a very strong and gusty southerly wind |
Taxiway Characteristics | The runway has no complete adjacent taxiways for entering and exiting |
What You'll Learn
- Innsbruck Airport is located 4 kilometres from Innsbruck's centre
- The airport is known for its difficult approach due to the surrounding terrain
- Runway 08 is used for departures and 26 for arrivals in calm conditions
- Innsbruck is one of the most thrilling airports to fly to and from
- The airport is surrounded by mountains as high as 8000ft to the north and over 10,000ft to the south and west
Innsbruck Airport is located 4 kilometres from Innsbruck's centre
Innsbruck Airport, also known as Kranebitten Airport, is located approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the centre of Innsbruck, Austria. It is the largest international airport in Tyrol, serving primarily regional flights around the Alps and some seasonal international flights to other European destinations. The airport is a hub for skiers, with a significant increase in activity during the winter months.
Innsbruck Airport is accessible via several transportation options, including taxis, airport shuttles, and public buses. The city bus F runs every 15 minutes and takes 18 minutes to reach the city centre. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow for check-in, security, and boarding procedures.
The airport itself has no jet bridges, instead relying on mobile stairs for boarding large aircraft. It can accommodate planes up to the size of a Boeing 767. The airport is known for its difficult approach due to the surrounding terrain, requiring special pilot training and prohibiting certain aircraft types from operating there.
Innsbruck Airport offers various dining options, duty-free shopping, and airport lounges for passengers during layovers. It serves as a base for several airlines, including Tyrolean Airways and Welcome Air, and is currently undergoing construction to replace the previous terminal with a new, larger facility.
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The airport is known for its difficult approach due to the surrounding terrain
Innsbruck Airport (IATA: INN, ICAO: LOWI), also known as Kranebitten Airport, is renowned for its challenging approach due to the surrounding terrain. The airport is nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, presenting a unique set of complexities for pilots. The towering mountains create a formidable obstacle, demanding meticulous navigation and a deep understanding of the local topography.
The approach and descent phases at Innsbruck Airport are particularly intricate. Pilots encounter fierce winds and air currents generated by the Alps, testing their skills and demanding precise control of the aircraft. These turbulent conditions can be unpredictable, often catching inexperienced pilots off guard and requiring swift and adept responses.
The airport's location in a mountainous region restricts the types of aircraft that can operate there. Certain aircraft are prohibited from using the airport due to the challenging terrain. Only specific aircraft models with the necessary performance capabilities and special equipment are allowed to attempt the approach and landing at Innsbruck Airport.
Innsbruck Airport is classified as a Category C airport, signifying special difficulties that go beyond those encountered at typical airports. Pilots intending to operate at this airport are required to undergo specialised training to familiarise themselves with the unique challenges posed by the surrounding terrain. This training ensures they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex approach and departure procedures safely.
The approach to Innsbruck Airport often involves flying over the inner city at relatively low altitudes, adding another layer of complexity to the operation. Pilots must exercise extreme caution to ensure the safety of those on the ground while also navigating the demanding terrain and managing the technical aspects of flying in such a dynamic environment.
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Runway 08 is used for departures and 26 for arrivals in calm conditions
Runway 08 is used for departures and Runway 26 for arrivals in calm conditions at LOWI Innsbruck Airport, Austria. This is because the airport is located in a deep valley with high terrain and mountains on all sides, and Runway 08 is aligned with the valley, allowing for a straight departure. Runway 26, on the other hand, requires a more complicated approach with tight turns and steep descents, making it better suited for arrivals.
The airport is surrounded by mountains as high as 8,000 ft to the north and over 10,000 ft to the south and west. This makes flying into and out of the airport extremely challenging and restricts the approach and departure paths to a narrow corridor. The runway itself is not aligned with the valley, so the final part of the approach and the first part of the departure must be done visually.
Innsbruck Airport is a Category C airport, which means it has special difficulties that require pilots to undergo special training before using it. The approach and descent are very complicated due to the surrounding terrain and the strong and gusty winds that can occur in the area. The airport is well-known for its difficult approach, and certain aircraft types are prohibited from operating there due to these challenges.
During Foehn conditions, which involve strong and gusty southerly winds, Runway 08 is typically used for both departures and arrivals. This is because the winds during Foehn can cause turbulence and make the approach to Runway 26 even more challenging. Pilots approaching Runway 08 during Foehn conditions usually take a high TWC into account to ensure a smoother approach.
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Innsbruck is one of the most thrilling airports to fly to and from
Innsbruck Airport, also known locally as Kranebitten Airport, is the largest international airport in Tyrol in western Austria. It is located approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the centre of Innsbruck. The airport is well-known for its difficult approach due to the surrounding terrain and the vicious winds and currents created by the Alps. Certain aircraft types are prohibited from operating at the airport due to these challenging conditions.
The approach and descent process at Innsbruck Airport is very complicated and requires special training for pilots. The airport is a Category C airport, designated for airports with special difficulties. The approach or ascent over the eastern end of the runway takes planes over the inner city at a fairly low altitude.
Innsbruck Airport handles regional flights around the Alps, as well as seasonal international traffic to European destinations. During the winter, the airport experiences a significant increase in activity due to the high number of skiers travelling to the region. The airport can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 767.
The airport has no jet bridges, so mobile stairs are used for boarding large aircraft that do not have their own airstairs. Runway 08 is typically used for departures, while runway 26 is used for arrivals. Gusting winds and wind shears are common during Foehn conditions, and pilots must take these into account when approaching runway 08.
Innsbruck Airport is served by around 50 different airlines, including well-known carriers such as British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Austrian Airlines. The airport is easily accessible from the city, with a bus running every 15 minutes and taking only 18 minutes to reach the city centre.
With its challenging approach, surrounding terrain, and busy winter season, Innsbruck Airport offers a thrilling experience for pilots and passengers alike, making it one of the most exciting airports to fly to and from.
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The airport is surrounded by mountains as high as 8000ft to the north and over 10,000ft to the south and west
Innsbruck Airport (IATA: INN, ICAO: LOWI), also known as Kranebitten Airport, is located in western Austria, approximately 4 kilometres from the centre of Innsbruck. The airport is renowned for its challenging approach procedures due to the surrounding mountainous terrain, with peaks as high as 8000 feet to the north and exceeding 10,000 feet to the south and west.
The airport's location amidst towering mountains creates a complex approach and descent process, necessitating special training for pilots operating at this airport. The Alps contribute to the formation of strong winds and air currents, which pilots must navigate skillfully. The high terrain surrounding the airport demands familiarity with MRVA/MVA, and aircraft are advised to adhere to the designated STAR and vertical profile for each Instrument Approach Procedure.
Innsbruck Airport is classified as a Category C airport, indicating special difficulties. The eastern end of the runway is situated near the inner city, resulting in aircraft flying at relatively low altitudes over the city during approach or ascent. The airport's single runway, with headings 08/26, is 2,000 meters long.
To ensure safe operations, certain aircraft types are prohibited from operating at Innsbruck Airport due to the challenging terrain. The airport cannot accommodate aircraft larger than a Boeing 767. Runway usage depends on the wind conditions; in calm weather, runway 08 is typically used for departures, while runway 26 is used for arrivals. During Foehn conditions, pilots can expect gusting winds and wind shears, requiring careful consideration during the approach and departure phases.
The mountainous surroundings of Innsbruck Airport present a unique set of challenges for pilots, making it one of Europe's trickiest airports. The stunning scenery, coupled with the technical demands on pilots, makes Innsbruck Airport a notable destination for aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
LOWI Innsbruck Airport has two ATC positions: LOWI_TWR and LOWI_APP.
LOWI is the ICAO code for Innsbruck Airport.
LOWI_TWR is responsible for final approach merging and sequencing, managing the merger of different approaches with VFR, and handling go-arounds.
LOWI_APP manages the airspace around Innsbruck Airport, including the CTR and TMA areas. They ensure safe arrivals and departures by providing approach and departure clearances, as well as handling radio communication failures and coordinating with other ATC units.
LOWI Innsbruck Airport is known for its challenging approach due to the surrounding terrain and wind conditions. The airport is located in a narrow valley surrounded by high mountains, which restricts flying to a narrow corridor. The approach and departure paths are not straight, and pilots must make visual turns within the valley. Additionally, the runway does not have complete adjacent taxiways, making tower controlling more thrilling.