Leslie Massey
Vienna International Airport, also known as Flughafen Wien, is the largest airport in Austria. It is located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres southeast of central Vienna. The airport is a hub for Austrian Airlines and serves as a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. Vienna Airport offers a range of services and amenities, including lounges, restaurants, shopping areas, and a railway station with S-Bahn, regional train, and long-distance transport connections. The City Airport Train (CAT) connects the airport to the city centre in just 16 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Vienna International Airport |
| IATA | VIE |
| ICAO | LOWW |
| Location | Schwechat, 18 km (11 mi) southeast of central Vienna, Austria |
| Official Name | Wien-Schwechat Airport |
| Largest Airport in | Austria |
| Hub for | Austrian Airlines, Niki, Ryanair, and Wizz Air |
| Capable of Handling | Wide-body aircraft up to the Airbus A380 |
| Services | FastTrack ticket, Porter Service, SKY Lounge, VIENNA Lounge, etc. |
| Amenities | Culinary delights, luxury boutiques, souvenir shops, duty-free shops, free WIFI, etc. |
| Connections | S-Bahn, regional train, CAT, long-distance transport, City Airport Train, etc. |
| Parking | EasyParking |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Vienna Airport's history
Vienna International Airport, also known as Flughafen Wien-Schwechat Airport, is the largest airport in Austria. It is located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres southeast of central Vienna and 57 kilometres west of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The airport serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines and is also a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair, Korean Air Cargo and Wizz Air.
The history of Vienna International Airport dates back to 1938 when it was originally built as a military airport. During World War II, it was used 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 principal aerodrome. At that time, the airport had only one runway, which was expanded in 1959 to a length of 3,000 metres. The construction of a new airport building began in the same year, and in 1972, a second runway was added.
The airport continued to undergo significant developments over the years. In 1982, it was connected to the national motorway network, and in 1986, an enlarged arrivals hall was opened. Pier East, with eight jet bridges, was inaugurated in 1988. The airport has also been a target of terrorist attacks, with the El Al ticket counter being attacked by the Palestinian terrorist organisation Abu Nidal in 1985.
In 1992, the new Terminal 1 was opened, followed by the privatisation of Flughafen Wien AG, one of the few publicly traded airport operators in Europe. The state of Lower Austria and the City of Vienna each hold 20% of the shares, while the remaining 70% are held by private entities.
More recently, Vienna International Airport has continued to expand and enhance its facilities. In 2006, a new control tower with a height of 109 metres started operating, offering a comprehensive view of the airport area. The airport has also published master plans outlining expansion projects, including new terminals, runways, and improved security measures. As of 2024, a new building is under construction to connect the existing pier east and pier north, offering additional leisure and retail spaces, as well as new bus gates for both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.
Austria vs UK: A Comparison of Territory Sizes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport to and from the airport
Vienna International Airport (airport code: VIE) is located in Schwechat, about 18 km (11 mi) southeast of central Vienna. It is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. Here are some detailed transport options to and from the airport:
Car
Vienna Airport is easily accessible by car via the A4 motorway and the S1 highway. The various car parks at the airport are connected to the terminal buildings via pedestrian walkways that are weather-protected. Austrian Airlines passengers can benefit from special parking offers and earn Miles & More award miles when booking with their rental car partner, CarTrawler.
Train
The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest connection to and from Vienna city centre, taking just 16 minutes for a single journey. The train is comfortable and modern, with plenty of space for luggage, and it departs every 30 minutes. The S7 S-Bahn is a cheaper alternative, costing €4.50 for a single ticket, although it is usually fuller and has less space for luggage. The S7 departs from outlying stations and stops at various points within Vienna, taking around 25 minutes to reach the airport. ÖBB Railjet services are another cost-effective option, with a journey time of around 25 minutes.
Bus
The Vienna Airport Lines buses are fully accessible and offer Wi-Fi and USB sockets. They depart every half hour or hour from Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, Vienna Westbahnhof, and the Donauzentrum. Austrian Airlines passengers can receive a discount on the fare with their boarding pass.
Austria's Lockdown: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport services and benefits
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is Austria's largest and busiest airport, located in Schwechat, 18 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of central Vienna. It serves as a hub for Austrian Airlines, Niki, and low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport offers a range of services and benefits to ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Fast and Efficient Travel
Vienna Airport boasts Europe's fastest transfer time, with a connection time of just 30 minutes. The airport's efficient design allows passengers to switch between levels, rather than terminals, saving time and hassle.
Transportation Options
The airport is easily accessible by various transportation methods. The City Airport Train (CAT) provides the fastest connection to and from the city centre, taking only 16 minutes. Additionally, the Vienna S-Bahn line S7 offers a more economical local service, taking approximately 25 minutes. The airport is also conveniently located off the A4 motorway and S1 highway for those travelling by car, and parking can be booked online in advance.
Comfort and Convenience
Vienna Airport offers a range of lounges, including the SKY Lounge in Terminal 3 and the exclusive VIENNA Lounge in Terminal 1, providing comfort and relaxation before departure or during transfers. The airport also features a wide range of culinary delights, from Austrian cuisine to international classics, as well as luxury boutiques, souvenir shops, and duty-free shopping.
Passenger Assistance
The airport provides a porter service, where attendants assist passengers with their luggage and escort them to the check-in point. Additionally, a Special Assistance desk is available for unaccompanied children and passengers with restricted mobility. Vienna Airport also offers an app that provides real-time updates on departures and arrivals, an interactive map, and important contact information.
Future Expansion
Vienna International Airport has undergone numerous expansions since its inception, and there are ongoing plans for further development. A third runway is currently under construction, and the airport continues to expand its destinations, adding new European and long-haul routes.
Immigrants in Austria: Perspectives and Public Opinion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lounges and amenities
Vienna International Airport (IATA: VIE, ICAO: LOWW) is Austria's largest airport and is located in Schwechat, 18 km (11 mi) southeast of central Vienna. The airport boasts a dense network of European destinations, as well as long-haul flights to Asia, North America, and Africa. It is also home to Austrian Airlines and serves as a base for low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Vienna International Airport offers a seamless travel experience with its modern architecture, efficient design, and a range of amenities. The airport features the Austrian Star Alliance terminal, which offers a short connection time of just 30 minutes thanks to its three-level design. Within this terminal, passengers can access six spacious, modern lounges with an Austrian atmosphere, totalling more than 2,000 square metres. These lounges include the HON Circle Lounge, Senator/Star Gold Lounge, and Business Lounge, catering to different passenger needs.
The VIENNA Lounge, located in Terminal 1, offers an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere for passengers. It provides a varied range of food and drinks, including an extensive breakfast, soups, hot meals, salads, snacks, and pastries. Other amenities include free WLAN, magazines, comfortable seating, and shower facilities. The VIENNA Lounge is accessible to passengers with First and Business Class tickets, frequent flyers, and holders of specific credit and membership cards.
Additionally, the SKY Lounge in Terminal 3 provides a comfortable space for travellers. Similar to the VIENNA Lounge, it offers a diverse selection of culinary delights and amenities. The SKY Lounge is conveniently located after the security check and before passport control, making it easily accessible for departing passengers.
The airport also provides priority check-in, exclusive lounge areas, and benefits for Miles & More status customers. The HON Circle Lounge, accessible with a valid HON Circle Member card and boarding pass for an Austrian or Star Alliance airline, offers a calm and tranquil environment with fantastic views of the airport apron.
For passengers travelling with children, Vienna Airport offers pushchair rentals and an indoor play area at Gate F. The Family Fun Gate features various play areas, including slides, a climbing wall, a climbing frame, and a maze, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for young travellers.
Exploring the Alps: Austria to Switzerland Trek
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check-in and security
Vienna International Airport is located in Schwechat, 18 km southeast of central Vienna, Austria. It is the country's largest airport and serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines. The airport features a dense network of European destinations as well as long-haul flights to Asia, North America, and Africa.
Check-in at Vienna Airport can be done in several ways. Passengers can check-in online via their airline's website up to 48 hours before departure. They can also use the self-check-in machines in Terminals 1 and 3 or check-in at their airline's counter. The check-in deadline for domestic flights is 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, it is 3 hours before departure. It is recommended to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare as queues can be long.
After checking in, passengers should proceed to the security checkpoint. To save time, passengers can purchase a FastTrack ticket, which provides access to a special passage through security. Security regulations at Vienna Airport include restrictions on liquids, with only 100ml containers or smaller allowed in hand luggage. All liquids must be stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag, with only one 1-litre bag permitted per passenger. Medical products, baby food, and dietary food are exempt from this rule but must not exceed 100ml containers. Passengers and their baggage may also be subject to an explosives test at any time.
Passengers who are unintentionally carrying prohibited items will be offered assistance by Vienna Airport and Vienna International Airport Security Services GmbH (VIAS). This includes helping with subsequent check-in, depositing the item, or sending it by post.
Vienna Airport also offers a range of services to make travelling with children easier, such as pushchair hire and an indoor play area at Gate F. There is also a Special Assistance desk for unaccompanied children and passengers with restricted mobility.
A Year in Austria: Weather and Seasons
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The airport in Vienna, Austria is called Vienna International Airport. Its official name, according to the Austrian Aeronautical Information Publication, is Wien-Schwechat Airport.
The fastest way to get to the airport from the city centre is by taking the City Airport Train (CAT) which takes 16 minutes. The train stops at platform 3A. The Vienna S-Bahn line S7 is another option, which takes approximately 25 minutes.
Vienna International Airport offers free WiFi, restaurants, retail stores, lounges, ATMs, currency exchanges, and a prayer room. There is also a SKY Lounge in Terminal 3 and the exclusive VIENNA Lounge in Terminal 1.
Vienna International Airport offers check-in islands for exclusive use by status customers and Business Class travellers. There is also a Special Assistance desk for unaccompanied children and passengers with restricted mobility.
