Friedrichshafen Airport

Friedrichshafen Airport
Name	Friedrichshafen Airport
IATA	FDH
ICAO	EDNY
Owner	Flughafen Friedrichshafen GmbH
City-served	Friedrichshafen
Location	Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Elevation-m	417
Coordinates	47, 40, 17, N...
Website	[https://www.fly-away.de/ fly-away.de]
R1-number	06/24
R1-length-m	2,356
R1-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Passengers
Stat1-data	235,000
Stat2-header	Aircraft movements
Stat2-data	25,000
Stat3-header	Cargo (metric tons)

Friedrichshafen Airport is a regional international airport located near the city of Friedrichshafen on the northern shore of Lake Constance in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It serves as a vital gateway to the Bodensee region and the broader Alpine area, handling scheduled, charter, and general aviation traffic. The airport is a key economic driver for the local economy, particularly for the tourism and business sectors connected to companies like ZF Friedrichshafen and MTU Friedrichshafen.

History

The airfield's origins trace back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Zeppelin manufacturing facilities by Ferdinand von Zeppelin in the city. During the First World War, the site was used for military aviation, and it was significantly expanded under the Nazi regime for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Following the war, the airport was used by the French Armed Forces during the Allied occupation of Germany before being returned to civilian use. Major development occurred in the 1990s, including the construction of a new passenger terminal designed by the architect Max Dudler, which opened in 1994, cementing its role as a modern regional hub.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal with modern check-in halls, security checkpoints, and several gates capable of handling aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A320 family. The main runway, 06/24, is 2,356 meters long and equipped with an Instrument landing system (ILS) for all-weather operations. A dedicated general aviation area supports business jets and private aircraft, while the adjacent Friedrichshafen Aviation Museum showcases the region's rich aviation history, particularly related to the Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik company. The airport is also a maintenance base for the European Aviation Safety Agency-certified operator ZF Aviation Services.

Airlines and destinations

The airport's route network focuses on scheduled connections to major European hubs and leisure destinations. The primary carrier is Eurowings, which operates flights to Berlin Brandenburg Airport and seasonal services. Other significant airlines include SunExpress, offering holiday flights to Antalya and Izmir, and Turkish Airlines, which provides connections to Istanbul Airport. Charter operators like Corendon Airlines and Freebird Airlines serve Mediterranean destinations, while business traffic is supported by operators such as Denim Air and Air Hamburg.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport handled approximately 235,000 passengers, reflecting a strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual aircraft movements typically exceed 25,000, encompassing a mix of commercial, general aviation, and cargo flights, though dedicated air freight volume remains minimal. The busiest routes consistently include services to Berlin, Antalya, and Istanbul, with passenger numbers peaking during the summer months due to tourism around Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps.

Ground transportation

The airport is well-connected by road and rail, located just 3 kilometers from downtown Friedrichshafen. The Friedrichshafen Stadt railway station, served by Deutsche Bahn and the Bodensee-Oberschwaben Verkehrsverbund, is a short bus ride away, providing direct connections to cities like Ulm, Stuttgart, and Zurich. Several bus lines, including the Stadtverkehr Friedrichshafen network, offer regular service, while taxis and rental car agencies from Sixt and Europcar are available on-site. The A96 autobahn provides direct road access to Munich and Lindau.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record, with no major fatal accidents involving commercial airliners in its modern history. A notable incident occurred in 2000 when a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Air Engiadina overran the runway during landing in poor weather, resulting in minor injuries but no fatalities. In 2018, a Pilatus PC-12 business aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction, leading to a runway excursion that caused minor damage to the aircraft but no injuries to those on board.

Category:Airports in Germany Category:Transport in Baden-Württemberg Category:Friedrichshafen