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ANNIVERSARY EDITION Make your own jet For the young and young at heart
In 51 photographs
A FEW WORDS Congratulations from representatives of the province, the city and the airport p. 6
INTERVIEW Aviation historian Tanja Chraust
Dear readers,
Innsbruck Airport is of great strategic importance for our economy, tourism and the convention industry. Not only is it Tyrol’s gateway to the world; it is also a major employer here in our province’s capital. We at Land Tirol are proud of our airport’s success story. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, I would like to congratulate the team at Innsbruck Airport and wish them all the very best in prevailing through any challenges the future may hold.
Yours sincerely,
Anton Mattle, Governor of Tyrol
For 100 years, Innsbruck Airport has been connecting Tyrol to the world beyond. As an important part of our infrastructure, the airport has played a vital role in shaping the development of Tyrol’s economy and tourism sector. This anniversary marks a significant milestone, but it also serves as a reminder of our mission to continue operating as a mobility hub that is both sustainable and innovative. Congratulations, and thank you for a century of connections.
Mario Gerber, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism and Digitalisation
Innsbruck’s location in the heart of the Alps presents both opportunities and challenges to the airport. We are drawn to the mountains – they are a place we want to live and experiences we want to have. They alone make a journey here worthwhile. At the same time, mountains challenge us because they require a touch of human ingenuity. Nowhere is this more evident than at Innsbruck Airport, which has been rising to the challenge for a century. The fates – and the success – of the city and its airport are inextricably linked: One determines the other.
For 100 years, Innsbruck Airport has been a linchpin of the city as well as an important company for Tyrol, tourism and the economy. Together, we have shared progress and weathered difficult times, including the recent Covid pandemic, and we are proud to have the airport in our corporation. We wish you the best of luck for the next 100 years!
Helmuth Müller, Chair of the Board of Directors, IKB
Over the decades, Innsbruck Airport has established itself as an indispensable part of our region, playing a pivotal role in the development of tourism and the economy of Innsbruck and Tyrol. This anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to thank the many longserving employees whose commitment, dedication and passion have made the airport what it is today. Their professionalism has helped Innsbruck Airport become a place of trust and hospitality.
Paula Stecher, Chair of the Supervisory Board, Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H.
Most of the time, our focus is on looking ahead, moving forward and continually developing the airport as a company. Today, however, is an opportunity to pause and reflect, to take a moment to look back on the airport’s history with pride and respect. What began in 1925 thanks to the vision of pioneering spirits in aviation has grown –even through challenging times – into a modern service provider and a driving force in mobility infrastructure that handles nearly one million passengers per year. I invite you to join me on a journey through history on the following pages.
Profession: Retired secondary-school teacher of history and geography
Home: Innsbruck
Farthest flight: Oman
Most beautiful flight: Scenic flight over Swedish forests in the open cockpit of a historic airplane from the interwar period
A Life up in the Air
Tanja Chraust has made a name for herself in Tyrol in more ways than one: as Innsbruck Airport’s resident historian, as the writer of the series ‘Back Then’ in destINNation magazine and as the author of several books on aviation. In this interview, she talks about her passion for everything to do with flying and her excitement about the upcoming 100-year anniversary.
It’s fair to call you a huge aviation fan. How did your love of all things aviation begin?
I grew up in the Wilten neighbourhood of Innsbruck, which was a great place to observe airplanes as they flew overhead or approached the runway – something I found absolutely fascinating. Back then, my family often went on holiday to Switzerland, and I would always beg to spend an afternoon visiting Zurich’s Kloten airport. That was the highlight of the holiday for me.
How did you become Innsbruck’s airport historian?
I originally wanted to become a pilot, and I even applied for a training position
at AUA (Austrian Airlines). However, they didn’t take women as pilots back then, so I didn’t stand a chance. Later, as part of my degree in history and geography, I wrote my Hausarbeit (thesis) in geography on Innsbruck Airport. I found the topic so engrossing that I ended up writing my doctoral dissertation in history on the same subject – all while working as a Gymnasium (secondary school) teacher.
Can you remember your first flight from Innsbruck?
Yes, it was actually my very first flight ever: from Innsbruck to London at age 18. I was incredibly nervous and excited, but the experience was just as amazing as I had always imagined. I specifically remember another passenger saying she wished the airplane would just stay on the runway. I, on the other hand, was completely fascinated by the fact that anything so heavy could ever leave the ground.
Innsbruck Airport is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Can you describe what its opening day was like?
June 1, 1925, was Whit Monday, and the weather was glorious. A large crowd had gathered on the airport grounds. The opening ceremony began with the dedication of a memorial to the airmen who had lost their lives in the First World War. This was
followed by a field mass. The provincial governor and numerous representatives from the ministry were present that day, as were other notable figures. It was also the day that the first scheduled aircraft, a Fokker F III flying from Munich to Innsbruck, landed here.
What, in your opinion, was the most impressive or significant day in the 100-year history of Innsbruck Airport?
That’s really difficult to say. One period that stands out to me is the time between 1926 and 1928, when Innsbruck served as an air traffic station for high-altitude transport flights. At the time, there was a pioneering aviator from Innsbruck named Raoul Stoisavljevic – a highly decorated Great War airman. His objective on these flights was to supply inns and lodges located at high altitudes with supplies and materials, including tools and wood used in the construction of the Nordkettenbahn cable car. In addition to these groundbreaking achievements, the effects of global crises such as the Great Depression,
“I originally wanted to become a pilot, and I even applied for a training position at AUA (Austrian Airlines).”
Tanja Chraust, Historian at Innsbruck Airport
the Second World War and the Covid pandemic all had a significant impact on the airport.
To mark the anniversary, you are publishing a book. Tell us more about that. It is going to be a coffee-table book of about 350 pages in landscape format containing many previously unseen photographs. The volume will cover the entire 100-year history of Innsbruck Airport, focusing on impressive images accompanied by short descriptions.
Are there still unexplored or undiscovered parts of Innsbruck Airport’s history that you would like to work on in the coming years?
I would love to do more in-depth research into the Nazi era. Another topic I am very interested in is the gorgeous single-engine airplane named ‘Tirol’, which was used for sightseeing flights in 1926 and 1927. Yes, there are still many topics I would love to explore in the future.
On a beautiful sunny day, Innsbruck Airport opens on grounds belonging to the municipal estate in the Reichenau section of Innsbruck.
(1925 –1947) 1 June 1925
Early September 1925
The Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne begins operating the Paris–Strasbourg–Zurich–Innsbruck route using the single-engine Blériot-SPAD S.66.
1 June 1925
Süddeutscher Aero Lloyd begins operating scheduled flights between Munich and Innsbruck using the single-engine Fokker-Grulich F III.
4 October 1925
German aviation idol Ernst Udet performs his magnificent aerobatics show for a large and enthusiastic crowd.
12 April 1926
As the airport is not equipped to handle winter flight operations, it is not until the spring of 1926 that Deutsche Luft Hansa can begin operating the Munich–Innsbruck route (here: a Fokker-Grulich F III).
18 April 1926
Innsbruck Airport also serves as a base for high-altitude transport flights. Pilot Raoul Stoisavljevic brings supplies to inns and mountain lodges located at high altitudes (here: Menthof in Mösern) from the air.
14 March 1926
The sightseeing plane Udet U 12 a ‘Flamingo’, owned by the Tiroler Flugverkehrs-Gesellschaft (Tyrolean Aviation Company), is christened ‘Tirol’. Airport director Alfred von Eccher serves as its pilot.
19 April 1927
Using a single-engine Junkers F13, ÖLAG (Österreichische Luftverkehrs A.G. or Austrian Aviation Company) begins operating the Vienna–Salzburg–Innsbruck route, which is extended to include Constance (Germany) in the summer.
1 May 1930
The Munich–Innsbruck–Bolzano–Trento–Milan route is operated in a cooperation between Deutsche Lufthansa, ÖLAG and Avio Linee Italiane. Pictured here: a Fokker VIIb/3m.
8 October 1933
After lifting off from near Hafelekar mountain station in the Nordkette mountains (altitude: 2300 m / 7546 ft), Carl Frena takes a Kassel 20 glider on a flight and finally lands safely at the airport.
21 May 1928
The ÖLAG route Vienna–Salzburg–Innsbruck is extended to include Constance and Zurich in the summer. Here we have a view of the Junkers F 13’s passenger cabin.
Throughout the 1930s, Innsbruck Airport repeatedly serves as a stage destination on various motorised flight events. This image shows the Whitsun Flight, held May 19–27, 1934.
3 October 1938
Innsbruck loses its last flight connection when the ÖLAG cancels its Vienna–Linz–Salzburg–Innsbruck–Munich route. Pictured: the Junkers F 13 with the new registration OE-LAD.
1 March 1940
The German Luftwaffe appropriates the airport, which is thereafter only used for military aviation and as a training centre for young pilots in the NSFK (National Socialist Flying Corps). Pictured here: an SG 38 training glider.
AIRPORT INNSBRUCK WEST / INNSBRUCK KRANEBITTEN
15 January 1948
(1948 –1965)
The newly completed Innsbruck West Airport on the north side of the Ulfiswiese meadow is inaugurated by the French occupational forces.
Spring 1949
The first charter planes from Amsterdam, Paris and London arrive in Innsbruck.
26 May 1951
The new Amsterdam–Innsbruck route on KLM, inaugurated on June 4, 1950, is soon followed on May 26, 1951, by the Zurich–Innsbruck–Salzburg route on Swiss Air Lines. Pictured here: a two-engine DC-3.
21 May 1955
British airline Eagle Airways operates the London–Luxembourg–Innsbruck route using a two-engine Vickers Viking 1A.
After regaining air sovereignty on May 15, 1955, the First International ‘Sternflug’ Rally is carried out at the airport, which is now officially called Innsbruck Kranebitten.
22 November 1956
The Innsbruck flight operations centre of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior begins air rescue operations using a two-seater Piper PA 18 Super Cub. From 1966 on, a helicopter is also used.
The first of many international airfield races is held on the circuit (1.7 km / 1 mile). Some 20,000 spectators watch the third such race on October 8, 1960.
Austrian gratuliert von Herzen zum 100-jährigen Bestehen und bedankt sich für die langjährige Zusammenarbeit.
INNSBRUCK AIRPORT
24 April 1965 –1 June 2025
24 April 1965
The new airport facilities on the south side of the Ulfiswiese meadow – now known as Flughafen Innsbruck – officially go into operation. To the north of the runway, we can see the buildings of the old Innsbruck Kranebitten airport.
9 October 1966
Jochen Rindt wins in three classes at the 9th Airfield Race (circuit of 2.8 km / 1.7 miles) and is the undisputed star of the event. Pictured here: the start of the Formula Vee racing car class.
30 September 1967
Parachuting makes its debut at the airport. The Tyrolian Parachuting Club was founded on October 19, 1966.
British carrier Eagle International Airlines (formerly Eagle Airways) present their twin-engine jet airliner type BAC 1-11, 301AG at the airport.
1 November 1969
Due to the advent of jet aircraft, Austrian Airlines (here: Aero Commander 680FL Grand Commander) and Swissair discontinue their Innsbruck flights, which leads to a sharp decline in flight operations.
As part of the International Flying Days, the Italian aerobatics team ‘Frecce Tricolori’ thrills spectators with its impressive aerial feats.
17 June 1973
In the first Innsbruck referendum, 68.72% vote against closing the airport (voter turnout: 10.59% of eligible voters).
30 September 1972
For several years, air sports dominate aviation in Innsbruck. Pictured here: the Fourth Air Rallye, held September 30 to October 1, 1972.
Winter 1978/79
A newly approved approach procedure (1976) and charter flights from Northern and Western Europe put the airport back on the road to success. Pictured here: a Boeing 737-200 belonging to Maersk Air.
As a long-standing partner, we at iDEALTOURS warmly congratulate you on this special anniversary. Together, we’ve celebrated highs and overcome challenges – always with the shared goal of bringing the people of Tyrol quickly and comfortably to the dream beaches of the Mediterranean. We make sure holidays start right at your doorstep: with included home pick-up across North Tyrol and direct flights from Innsbruck – this year with 7 departures to Greece and 1 to Calabria.
Thank you for the reliable partnership – here’s to many more years of successful cooperation and shared “high-flying” moments!
The newly renamed home carrier Tyrolean Airways (which had emerged from the restructuring of Aircraft Innsbruck) begins operating flights to Vienna and Zurich using the four-engine Dash 7.
2 July 1979
Swiss airline Crossair launches scheduled flights between Zurich and Innsbruck using the two-engine Metroliner II and III (pictured here).
1 July 1983
The first ‘Christophorus 1’ rescue helicopter is stationed in Innsbruck, laying the foundation for a nationwide Austrian emergency helicopter system.
Innsbruck Airport records an annual passenger volume of 1,033,512 for 2010, surpassing the magical one-million mark for the first time.
17 October 2012
For the first time, two Eurofighters EF 2000 Typhoon belonging to the Austrian Armed Forces land at Innsbruck Airport.
14 December 2007
British airliner easyJet operates flights between Innsbruck and London Gatwick as well as Bristol using an Airbus A320.
26 October 2023
On June 30, 2023, the measures to combat the Covid pandemic are lifted, and the traditional annual airport festival can be held once again. Pictured here: a C130 Hercules.
Airlines LOT (route: Warsaw–Innsbruck; aircraft: Boeing 737-800) and IBERIA (route: Madrid–Innsbruck; aircraft: Airbus A20N) launch flights to Innsbruck.
22 December 2024
Latvian carrier airBaltic (pictured here: a plane in special livery) operates the Riga–Innsbruck route with an Airbus A220-300.
27 January 2024
After a long hiatus, the planes of Icelandic carrier Icelandair return to Innsbruck once again during the winter season. Pictured here: a Boeing 757-256.
Fold the paper in half lengthwise to make a crease and then open it back up. Now fold the two top corners down so that their edges meet at the centre crease. Next, fold the entire top half of the paper down onto itself, making sure the point you made before is right on the centre line. The whole thing should look a bit like an envelope. Fold the new top outer corners toward the centre line so that only a tiny bit of the tip you made before is still showing. Fold that mini triangle up so that it covers the top layer and holds it in place. Flip your paper over and then rotate 90° so that the point is facing left. Fold the bottom half of your paper up so that the two halves align, making the body of your airplane. Finally, let’s make some wings: Fold the top part down so that the top edge aligns with the bottom edge, then flip and do the same on the other side. You are now ready for take-off!
Impressum — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler
Photo credits and rights of use: The photographs and images shown here are provided exclusively for use in this magazine. Any other use, reproduction or distribution is not permitted without the express permission of the copyright holder(s). Print: Intergraphik GmbH, Innsbruck — Information disclosure in accordance with § 25 MedienG can be found at www.innsbruck-airport.com/impressum.
