Innsbruck Airport, Flughafen Innsbruck, Flughafen Österreichs, Betreiber: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebs-
gesellschaft m.b.H.(The airport has the IATA Airport Code , IATA: INN, ICAO: LOWI), commonly referred to as Kranebitten Airport, is the largest international airport in Tyrol, located in western Austria. It sits about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the heart of Innsbruck. Opened in 1925, the airport serves regional flights around the Alps and seasonal international routes to various European destinations. During the winter months, the airport experiences a significant uptick in activity due to the influx of skiers heading to the area.
The terminal does not feature jet bridges; instead, mobile stairs are utilized for boarding larger aircraft that lack their own airstairs. The airport is capable of accommodating aircraft as large as a Boeing 767. In February 2017, it was announced that the existing passenger terminal, which was opened for the 1964 Winter Olympics, would be replaced by a new, larger facility, with construction commencing in 2019.
Innsbruck Airport is known for its challenging approach due to the surrounding terrain, which limits the types of aircraft that can operate there. The approach and descent are quite complex—the Alps create strong winds and currents that pilots must navigate. It is classified as a Category C airport, meaning it has specific challenges that require pilots to undergo special training before flying there. The approach or ascent over the eastern end of the runway passes over the inner city at a relatively low altitude.
Innsbruck Airport was the base for Tyrolean Airways and Welcome Air until they ceased operations, although the newly formed independent technical division, Tyrolean Airways Luftfahrzeuge Technik GmbH, is still located here. The airport also previously housed the headquarters of Air Alps.
Ground transportation
The airport is linked to the city and Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof by city bus F, which operates every 15 minutes and takes about 18 minutes to reach the city.