Initially constructed as a military airport in 1938, it was utilized during World War II as the Heinkel firm's southern military aircraft design and production complex, known as the Heinkel-Süd facility. In 1945, it was taken over by the British and became RAF Schwechat during the occupation. The Betriebsgesellschaft was established in 1954, and the airport subsequently replaced Wien-Aspern Airport as the main aerodrome for Vienna and Austria. The original single runway was extended to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 1959, and construction of a new airport terminal began that same year.
In 1972, a new runway was constructed. By 1982, the airport was linked to the national motorway network (Ostautobahn). The enlarged arrivals hall opened in 1986, followed by the opening of Pier East with 8 jet bridges in 1988.
Flughafen Wien AG, one of the few publicly traded airport operators in Europe, underwent privatization in 1992. The state of Lower Austria and the City of Vienna each own 20% of the shares, while a private employee participation foundation holds 10%, and the remaining 50% is privately held. These shares are included in the Austrian Traded Index.
In 1992, the new Terminal 1 was inaugurated, and the following year, the shopping area around the plaza in the transit area of gates B, C, and D was opened. In 1996, Pier West with 12 jet bridges became operational.
Terminals.
The airport consists of four terminal buildings: Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which are situated next to each other, along with an additional Terminal 1A located across from Terminal 1. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 provide access to five concourses, while the central arrivals hall for all terminal areas is found in Terminal 3.
Terminal 1 was refurbished in January 2013 and is primarily used by several Oneworld and SkyTeam airlines, as well as Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Terminal 1A, which is a separate building opposite Terminal 1, offered check-in services for various low-cost carriers and leisure airlines, including Condor, SunExpress, and Vueling. It reopened in March 2023 after being closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Terminal 2 underwent renovations from 2016 to 2022, resulting in new security screening areas and an updated baggage reclaim area.
Terminal 3, known as the Austrian Star Alliance Terminal, along with its connected Concourses F and G, is the newest facility at the airport. It serves Austrian Airlines, most Star Alliance members, and several other airlines, including Emirates, El Al, Korean Air, Royal Jordanian, and Qatar Airways. A planned expansion has been postponed indefinitely.
Terminals upgrades.
In addition to the previously mentioned upgrades to existing passenger facilities, a brand-new building is currently under construction as of early 2024. This new structure is designed to connect the existing east and north piers. Known as the T3 Southern Enlargement, it will feature 70,000 m2 (750,000 sq ft) of leisure space and additional bus gates. Although the opening was initially scheduled for 2023, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2023, it was announced that construction for the new building would begin in mid-2023. Work on the terminal annex officially started in February 2024, with an expected completion date in 2027.