Long-distance travel via Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Vienna
Take the line to your hotel, the main station and the airport.
Monday - Friday until 7:20 pm every 15 minutes, after 7:40 pm every 30 minutes; On Saturday every 20 minutes between 8:03 am and 7:43 pm.
Before and after every 30 minutes. On Sundays and holidays every 30 minutes. Get your ticket online or at the ticket machine
DESTINATIONS
p. 10
OBITUARY
p. 8
INTERVIEW
Marco Pernetta on this past summer season and the upcoming winter
Impressum — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck
Production: TARGET GROUP Publishing GmbH Editorial team: Barbara Kluibenschädl (head editor), Michaela Ehammer, Markus Wechner, Lisa Schwarzenauer, Anna Nöckler, Anna Füreder Graphics: Katharina Angerer
Photos, unless specified otherwise: Shutterstock.com Print: Intergraphik GmbH, Innsbruck — Information disclosure in accordance with § 25 MedienG can be found at www. innsbruck-airport.com/impressum.
AUTUMN/WINTER
Dear readers, Nothing brightens the dark winter months like travel. No matter whether you are planning a city trip, holidays under the southern sun or a longhaul flight to faraway lands – the best place to begin your journey is in the relaxed Tyrolean atmosphere of Innsbruck Airport.
p. 28 LOOKING BACK
Celebrating Innsbruck Airport’s 100th anniversary
p. 18
Where the gods go on Holiday Crete
In memory of Airport Director Hans Jilg
12
MYTHS AND HISTORY
p. 22
FROM INNSBRUCK OUT INTO THE WORLD
Long-distance trips via Amsterdam, London, Madrid and Vienna
32
TRAVEL VALUE SHOP Souvenirs from Tyrol
p. 40
60 YEARS OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS
A look back at the new airport’s opening year
Innsbruck
Reykjavík
From Amsterdam, London, Madrid and Vienna Out Into the World
Innsbruck Airport is the ideal place to start your journey to the four corners of the globe. You can reach virtually any destination worldwide with ease via international hubs like Amsterdam, London, Madrid or Vienna.
For more on this, see page 22.
Bangkok
Cape Town
Helsinki
Riga Warsaw
City Lights in the Winter
Helsinki, Reykjavík or elsewhere – Even in the cold season, Innsbruck is the gateway to many exciting city adventures. Just make sure to wear plenty of layers – a technique known as ‘onion look’ in German – to keep warm out in the frosty air.
SHORTCUTS
AMS
Sparkling Lights
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise shows just how colourful the cold season can be. Both it and the Light Festival transform the city’s historical centre into a vibrant sea of multi-hued lights, making the Dutch capital more colourful than ever. Ice skating on frozen grachten (canals) is sure to warm your heart. Sample some mulled wine and poffertjes (buckwheat pancakes) while strolling through the Jordaan district. To round off your trip, visit one of the city’s many cultural sights – after all, Amsterdam is famous for having the highest museum density of any city in the world.
HEL Winter Lights Magic
Short days, long nights – that’s Helsinki in the winter. Sparkling northern lights, festively decorated Christmas markets with glögi (mulled wine) and pipari (gingerbread) or snow-covered landscapes – Finland’s capital exudes magical winter charm everywhere you look. For even more Nordic attractions, try cross-country skiing or a trip to the sauna, or head to Suomenlinna, the historical island fortress just outside the city.
Side-note: The 15-minute ferry ride there is considered one of the most exotic short sea-hops in the world.
ICELAND
DUS MAGICAL TIMES
Fly high into the sky on the Ferris wheel, get interactive at the film museum, glide across the rink at the ice disco or nibble on some sugar-roasted almonds while strolling past the Lichterdom light installation – Düsseldorf has something to offer everyone on a winter visit. Thrill seekers will find skiing and snowboarding at Alpenpark Neuss while those who prefer a more relaxed pace can enjoy a two-hour winter cruise on the Rhine. Round out your day in the earth sauna at Asia Therme wellness spa, where you can sweat around a crackling fire even when the weather outside is frightful.
FROSTY ADVENTURES
If you just love ice and snow, then Iceland is the place for you. This volcanic island offers a huge number of exciting activities all winter long. Chase the Northern Lights, go on a dog sled or snowmobile excursion across snowcovered cliffs or stroll through Katla ice cave Escape the frost by taking a dip in the warm thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon – after all, bathing in hot springs is deeply rooted in Icelandic culture.
Pure Pleasure
Especially in winter, the Danish capital is well known for its hygge ambiance: The Tivoli Gardens amusement park becomes a winter wonderland complete with sweet-and-spicy Christmas beer, while both the Happiness Museum and La Glace, Copenhagen’s oldest patisserie, are havens of comfort and coziness. Fastelavn (carnival season), on the other hand, is full of colourful street parades, costume contests and eating competitions. The Light Festival is also well worth a visit – ideally right after taking a bracing wintry dip in a seawater hot tub (40°C / 104°F) at CopenHot.
MAD Winter
Delights
Madrid shows its most hearty side in the winter with traditional dishes like Cocido Madrileño (a chickpea stew) or sweet temptations such as hot chocolate. For some of the best in town, try Chocolatería San Ginés, where Maradona himself once enjoyed some churros. A trip to the city of Segovia is well worth the effort: The medieval castle, with its turrets and slatecovered roofs, looks like something straight out of a fairytale. For a chance at some truly spectacular photographs, head to Madrid’s Quinta de los Molinos park: In late February, the blossoming almond trees there transform the city into a sea of pink petals.
A Summer Season, an Anniversary and Future Projects
Innsbruck Airport has been very busy in recent months – not just in terms of air traffic, but also with numerous celebrations and festivities. And things are not likely to quiet down any time soon. Managing director Marco Pernetta explains how the past few months have been going and what is still to come.
WHERE DOES THE AIRPORT’S BOSS SPEND HIS OWN HOLIDAYS?
This year, my wife and I flew from Innsbruck to Karpathos. We really loved it there. The island is not too touristy and quite unspoilt – just the way we like it. Getting there was very easy thanks to a direct flight from Innsbruck: We took off at about 2 pm, and by 5:30, we were already in our hotel, sipping wine and gazing out at the ocean.
The summer season is over. Taking stock, how was it?
Marco Pernetta: The summer went very well. The load factor was very strong and so was demand. As far as the summer season goes, we are basically back to pre-Covid levels. Compared to last year, we recorded an increase in passengers of about three percent by the end of September. This growth indicator will probably drop slightly by the end of the year due to the absence of Frankfurt flights since this summer.
Flights to Greece were in especially high demand – as always – but so were flights to Calabria and to Spain, including Mallorca. We are also delighted by how well the newly added destination of Antalya (Türkiye) has been received.
How have you been dealing with the loss of the Frankfurt route?
Losing the Frankfurt connection is particularly problematic for business
travel. True, this sector is still far from being what it was before the pandemic across the entire German-speaking region. Where in pre-Covid days, people would have taken a flight to attend a two-hour meeting, today they mostly just take part online from their own desks.
Even so, staying connected to the extensive Lufthansa flight network remains an important issue. The Lufthansa Express Bus, with its four daily connections to Munich Airport, offers one alternative travel option.
Couldn’t passengers choose to travel via other hubs, such as Amsterdam, London or Vienna?
Yes. More and more passengers are switching to these options. We can clearly see this in our data: For instance, in 2024 we had nearly 4,000 passengers (arrivals and departures) with connecting flights via Amsterdam alone.
Innsbruck Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Did anything in particular stand out for you?
My personal highlight was definitely the ceremony held on June 1, 2025 – 100 years to the day after Innsbruck’s first airport received its official licence. The
Profile
Marco Pernetta has been managing director of Innsbruck Airport since 2014. In 2024 he was re-confirmed for another five-year term.
Strongest summer month:
at 38,775 passengers
Top three destinations in 2024:
London, Vienna and Amsterdam
169,628
Passengers processed between May and September 2025
festivities held in the former Tyrolean Technik Hangar reunited numerous guests of honour, many friends of the airport and long-standing business partners as well as current and former employees. This was surely a once-in-a-lifetime event. There were also several smaller events that were very well received. For instance, we held our first ‘airport walk’, where participants (along with management) were able to walk along the closed runway for two hours in the evening. We also re-vamped and re-opened our historical photo gallery in the terminal building.
Are there any other events planned for this year?
The annual Airport Festival – which is held each year on October 26, Austria’s National Holiday – will be the grand finale to this year’s commemorative festivities. We are also publishing a coffee-table book about the airport featuring many never-before-seen photographs. It will come out in time for Christmas.
Looking toward the future, the winter season is just around the corner. What can travellers expect?
This winter there is a new destination in Germany with two weekly flights:
Düsseldorf. This metropolis on the Rhine is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, and is a very important source market for tourism in Tyrol. Flight connections from Great Britain will be increased, with additional flights being added from Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Furthermore, the flight times for the Madrid route, which was introduced last winter, will be optimised, making the option of using Madrid as an international aviation hub even more attractive. Travellers can use our tour operator partner TUI Austria, for instance, to book flights to the Canary Islands or Mallorca via Madrid this coming winter.
Looking even further into the future, are there plans for any large-scale investments or projects at the airport?
This year, we began making plans for the construction of a security centre. Austro Control is one of the major stakeholders and a co-financier in this project. The idea is to create a modern education and training centre for new technologies in air traffic control as well as a more up-to-date administration building for our employees. At the same time, we want to build a larger police station. The current facility dates back to the 1970s and is now bursting at the seams. General Aviation, too, is to be redesigned with more space for passenger processing and baggage handling. At the moment, baggage must still be collected separately and inspected in the car park. That will hopefully soon be a thing of the past.
In Loving Memory of Airport Director Hans Jilg
It is with great sadness that everyone at Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft bids farewell to Hans Jilg, who passed away at the age of ninety-nine on May 6, 2025. With his passing, we have lost a truly outstanding leader who contributed significantly to the development and character of Innsbruck Airport. Mr Jilg joined the Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsges.m.b.H in 1979 as Prokurist. He took over the post of managing director at Innsbruck Airport on January 1, 1985, and held this position with great commitment and vision until his well-deserved retirement on December 31, 1994. It was during his tenure that that numerous groundbreaking projects were implemented. These include the arrival of the first Dash 8 aircraft (Tyrolean Airways) and the launch of the Air Rescue Centre by Tyrol Air Ambulance as well as the needs-based expansion of the airport’s infrastructure. Under his leadership, the new air traffic control tower – a striking landmark to this day –was built and opened in 1990.
An aircraft maintenance hangar including an engine test stand was erected on the western side of the airport premises in collaboration with Tyrolean Airways. Today, this former maintenance hangar now known as ‘Hangar 4’ continues to fulfil an important function not only in the safe storage of large private jets but also in the airspace surveillance carried out annually by the Austrian Armed Forces during the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 1994, a separate air cargo building was erected on the eastern side of the airport premises. It was used for many years for the handling of air freight, which remained strong well into the 2000s. Even after retiring from active service, Hans Jilg remained a loyal friend to the airport. An honoured guest at many events, he continued to show a keen interest in the development of ‘his’ airport well into his old age.
We of the Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft honour the memory of Hans Jilg. His work and his personality will never be forgotten.
ONE REGION. TWO WORLDS.
SNOW-FILLED ADVEN TURES HERE, CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS THERE –INNSBRUCK’S WINTER DREAM
Winter without fun in the snow? Unthinkable. Cold months without cosy lights? Who would want that. Fortunately, the Innsbruck region offers both: here, the alpine and the urban, the skiing paradise and the cultural stronghold, the sparkling snow and the glimmering lights come so close together that they merge into a unique experience – something you won’t find (almost) anywhere else. During the day, you can carve your way down the perfectly groomed slopes of six ski areas around the Tyrolean capital or hike along snow-covered trails through quiet forests. In the evening, you can stroll through the enchanting alleys of Innsbruck’s festively lit historic Old Town, enjoy Tyrolean culinary specialties, or visit one of the many events. The region‘s winter event calendar is as diverse as the region itself – and always ready to leave a lasting impression.
30.1.–8.3.2025 – Innsbruck Winter Dance Festival, Congress Innsbruck
More information at www.innsbruck.info/events
Photo: Peter Koren, Mair,
Mathias
Brabetz, MK Illumination
Corfu Myths, history and Mediterranean magic
Corfu GREECE
Probably the greenest isle in the Aegean
When you set foot in Corfu, you are following in some mighty large footsteps. Homer dedicated verses to this island; centuries later Empress Sisi came to stay at the Achilleion in search of beauty and freedom; the Onassis family summered here. Even beyond the glamour, Corfu continues to entice visitors with its authenticity, diversity and Mediterranean way of life.
The first thing visitors notice is the island’s incomparable lushness: olive groves, cypress trees, fragrant wild herbs and blossoming gardens lend Corfu an almost tropical air – no wonder many consider it the greenest of the Greek isles. The coastline alternates between broad sandy beaches and sleepy coves, rugged cliffs and tranquil lagoons. On the island’s north side, charming fishing villages such as Kassiopi beckon, while on the south side bathers and snorkelers are drawn to the gorgeous sands of Glyfada beach or the turquoise waters of Paleokastritsa. If you head to into the heart of the island, you will find gentle hills and tranquil mountain trails that open onto panoramic views of verdant valleys and glittering seascapes.
Traces of bygone eras
No other Greek island was as strongly influenced by the Venetians as Corfu. Palaces, loggias and elegant town squares are reminiscent of the famous lagoon
Korfu:
Deflinia 20% bis 9.1 |
Aeolos 15% bis 9.1. |
Olivar Suites 15% bis 9.1 |
Domes Corfu 20% bis 31.1. |
Almyros 15% bis 28.2. |
Dassia Beach
No other Greek island was as profoundly influenced by the Venetians as Corfu.
city, while the Old Town of Corfu city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is a blend of Venetian architecture, Byzantine churches and French arcades that is unique in the Mediterranean. Stroll through winding alleys, take in the laid-back flair of the many cafés and tavernas and soak up the history lurking around every corner. The Achilleion, Sisi’s palace near Gastouri, still echoes with the Austrian Empress’ yearning, while the many monasteries, chapels and old forts are silent witnesses of the island’s eventful history.
Culinary delights
Experience the Cofu’s cuisine and you will understand its soul: fresh-caught fish, sun-ripened vegetables and aromatic herbs form the basis, which are paired with specialities like Sofrito or Pastitsada, which hearken back to Venetian tradition. Such Mediterranean delights are celebrated in small traditional tavernas and elegant restaurants alike, usually complemented with a glass of cool white wine and rounded off with a sip of Kumquat liqueur – a speciality only found on this island.
Genuine hospitality
Besides nature and architecture, various festivals and traditions are an integral part of the island’s character. Orthodox Easter festivities with their colourful rituals, small village fêtes or evenings of music in the main squares – visitors witnessing these celebrations are immersed in everyday life. It is this blend of lightness and authenticity that makes Corfu so special – rather than sophisticated staging, it is the genuine joie de vivre that welcomes guest and entices them to return. And Corfu has managed to retain its special charm over the centuries. The island is a place where culture and nature, past and present merge to form a harmonious whole. Its quiet moments in quiet coves are just as magical as its sumptuous palaces and vibrant towns. The island gives travellers exactly what Sisi and Jackie Onassis found here: a haven that inspires you, grounds you and excites you all at once.
ACHILLEION PALACE
LUST AUF SOMMER?
DELFINIA HOTEL****
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, DZ Gartenblick, 8 Tage 7x HP mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 09.01. z.B. 05.06.-12.06. nur € 1.185,- p.P. 10.07.-17.07. nur € 1.315,- p.P.
AEOLOS BEACH RESORT****
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, Familienzimmer, 8 Tage 7x AI mit 15% Frühbucherbonus bis 09.01. z.B. 22.05.-29.05. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 4.716,24.07.-31.07. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 5.783,-
THE OLIVAR SUITES*****
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, Juniorsuite Gartenblick, 8 Tage 7x ÜF mit 15% Frühbucherbonus bis 09.01. z.B. 22.05.-29.05. nur € 1.699,- p.P. 21.08.-28.08. nur € 2.187,- p.P.
DOMES OF CORFU*****
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, Tropical Retreat, 8 Tage 7x HP mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 09.01. z.B. 29.05.-05.06. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 4.658,24.07.-31.07. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 5.242,-
ALMYROS BEACH RESORT & SPA****
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, Juniorsuite, 8 Tage 7x ÜF mit 15% Frühbucherbonus bis 28.02. z.B. 05.06.-12.06. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 3.674,21.08.-28.08. 2 Erw. & 2 Kinder ab € 4.692,-
DASSIA BEACH HOTEL***
Flüge ab Innsbruck jeden FR ab 22.05. inkl. Flug, Transfers, Doppelzimmer, 8 Tage 7x HP z.B. 29.05.-05.06. nur € 888,- p.P. 19.06.-26.06. nur € 1.013,- p.P. 07.08.-14.08. nur € 1.146,- p.P.
Gleich Termin vereinbaren oder telefonisch buchen!
Among mountain enthusiasts
Corsica has long been considered a hidden gem: mountain peaks over 2000 metres / 6500 ft high, spectacular views and unspoilt hiking trails beckon holidaymakers in the island’s interior. On the coast, secluded coves, turquoise waters and natural beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Ocean, macchia and majestic peaks
Corsica’s landscapes is incredibly multifaced: The unique blend of rugged coastal cliffs, dense ‘macchia’ shrubland, quaint villages and tranquil beaches form an island ambiance that has retained its authenticity in a way only few Mediterranean
Corsica Mediterranean natural paradise with Alpine flair
Corsica is fascinating in the way contrasting elements are united in this island: sun and sea meet rugged mountain landscapes; Mediterranean joie de vivre meets Alpine adventure. In 2026, the island will once again be accessible from Innsbruck within just 100 minutes on a weekly flight.
regions can rival. Far from the mass tourism of other destinations, this island is characterised by the warmth and rhythm of its inhabitants.
Corsica also shows its special side when it comes to cuisine: delicious French-Corsican dishes are served in the many small taverns and restaurants, where they are prepared with great love for tradition and often from regional ingredients.
Alpine clarity
It is precisely the combination of ocean, mountains and cultural independence that lends Corsica its particular charm. Small, delightful hotels – ranging from stylishly simple to luxurious – are just one more thing that make this beautiful island such a wonderful Mediterranean destination.
It is precisely the combination of ocean, mountains and cultural independence that lends Corsica its particular charm
HIKERS’ PARADISE BY THE OCEAN
Experten beraten: 05572 22420
Online buchen: www.rhomberg-reisen.com oder in Ihrem Reisebüro Rhomberg Reisen GmbH, Eisengasse 12, 6850 Dornbirn
Bei Buchung bis 31.12.2025
+ Länger Vorfreude genießen + Größte Auswahl
+ Attraktive Frühbucher-Preise + Kinder reisen ab € 99,+ Volle Flexibilität*
*Kostenfrei umbuchen oder stornieren bis 30 Tage vor Reiseantritt mit Geld-zurück-Garantie. Gültig für ausgewählte Pauschalreisen. Bei Stornierung fallen € 99,- Bearbeitungsgebühren an.
Crete
Where the Gods go on holiday
With its olive groves and turquoise coves, ancient palaces and vibrant tavernas, this island is more than just a travel destination – Crete is a way of life.
From Innsbruck to Crete in just 2.5 hours
Must-see in Crete: Balos
Beach, Elafonisi, Samaria Gorge and the Palace of Knossos
You can visit countless times and still not have seen everything this island has to offer. The largest and southernmost of the Greek isles is multifaceted and diverse, offering something for every type of holidaymaker. Families and couples love Crete for its varied landscape, the cheerful bathing on Caribbean-like beaches, diverse culture and Greek hospitality. Crete is the ideal destination both for travellers new to Greece and for those who simply can’t get enough of this island.
Caribbean flair
Anyone who thinks the most beautiful beaches are only to be found in the South Seas has never been to Crete. Elafonisi in the island’s south-west is famous for its pink-hued sands, made up of finely ground shell and coral fragments, and the shallow lagoon whose waters shimmer every shade of turquoise. Balos lagoon in the island’s northwest is framed by the Gramvousa peninsula and the island of Tigani. With its crescent of white sand and the greenish-blue lagoon behind it, Balos Beach is unique in Europe.
Authentic Greece
To experience another side of Crete, head into the heartlands – on a guided TUI tour, by rental car, by bike or on foot. Soak in the island’s unique character while touring monasteries, wineries or olive mills. In the backcountry, the whisper of the wind and the tinkling of goats’ bells are often the only sounds you will hear. The scent of wildflowers and herbs will put you in the mood to try the many Cretan specialties, such as wine and olives.
Active holidays in the off-season
The spring and autumn months are the best time for active holidaymakers to visit Crete. Mild autumn temperatures allow for delightful walks, rambles and hikes of varying difficulty. From Samaria Gorge to the neolithic man-made caves at Matala, adventure-seekers will find exactly what they are looking for on their active holiday. On the north coast, numerous hotels offer a large variety of water sports and activities including sailing, diving or water skiing. Cyclists also flock to Crete to explore the island via its well-organised road network.
RETHYMNON HARBOUR
5 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO CRETE
1. Short journey (approx. 2.5 hours)
2. Ideal for families, couples and solo travellers
3. Year-round destination; over 300 sunny days per year
4. Large network of hiking and cycling trails
5. Huge selection of accommodations to suit every taste
Regeneration at any age Northern Crete in particular offers a wide range of family hotels – a huge draw when travelling with children. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, the island is perfect for a relaxing seaside holiday from spring until late autumn. Moreover, the various hotel brands and concepts offered by TUI mean that everyone – be they young or young at heart, adventurous or deeply relaxed – can find the accommodation that best suits their needs and wishes. The family-friendly TUI Kids Clubs, Club Robinson Ierapetra, the TUI Blue Concept Hotels and the two TUI SUNEO Hotels Chrissi Amoudia and Althea Villate for budget-conscious travellers are particularly popular with families and all those who want to enjoy comprehensive offers in a pleasant atmosphere. Guests over the age of 16 will find extensive sports and entertainment options on offer at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris. More information and booking at any quality travel agent and at www.tui.at
The terrace at Club Robinson Ierapetra offers unobstructed views of Crete’s southern coast.
All Inclusive-Angebot für Familien, Paare & Singles mit Sport, Shows & Events
TUI BLUE
Moderne Hotels mit Qualität, Leidenschaft für Service und bester Unterhaltung
FLEX TARIF
Mit dem Flex Tarif die Reise bis einschließlich 15 bzw. 29 Tage vor Anreise ohne Angabe von Gründen umbuchen oder stornieren.
TUI KIDS CLUB
Familiengerechte Hotelanlagen mit Kinderbetreuung und All InclusiveVerpflegung
ROBINSON
Premium Cluburlaub mit vielfältigem Sportangebot und trendorientierter Kulinarik
TUI AUSFLÜGE
Von Stadtführungen über Tagesausflüge bis hin zu sportlichen Erlebnissen bietet TUI Musement auf Kreta über 180 Erlebnisse an.
GRECOTEL
Moderner L uxus, t raditionelle griechische Kultur und exklusive Kulinarik an einem Ort
TUI SUNEO
Modernes Hoteldesign mit abwechslungsreichem Entertainmentangebot und WorldCuisine
TUI CARS
Auf Kreta steht bei TUI Cars der perfekte Mietwagen bereit, um individuelle Abenteuer auf der Insel erleben zu können.
Buchung und Details im Reisebüro, auf www.tui.at und in der App.
Angebote entdecken:
Out Into the World via Amsterdam, London, Madrid and Vienna
North America, South America, Africa or Asia – You can discover every one of these continents starting from Innsbruck thanks to flight connections via four international aviation hubs: London, Amsterdam, Madrid and Vienna.
Jujuy ARGENTINA
Argentina, South America
Iberia has been operating a scheduled flight to Madrid since late 2024 and will be offering two flights per week to the Spanish capital starting in mid-December. From there, travellers can catch a connecting flight to hundreds of destinations worldwide, and to South America in particular. Buenos Aires, sometimes called the ‘Paris of South America’ is just one connecting flight away from Innsbruck. This city on the Río de la Plata has a lot to offer, ranging from dancing the Tango in San Telmo to visiting the football stadium La Bombonera in La Boca (where Diego Maradona once played) to eating traditional Asado (Argentinian barbeque), perhaps even at Don Julio in Palermo, which is currently considered one of the ten best restaurants in the world. A stroll along the Avenida 9 de Julio, long ranked the widest avenue in the world, will take you past the worldfamous Teatro Colón opera house and the imposing obelisk. It, along with the Women’s Bridge in the Puerto Madero harbour district, is one of Buenos Aires’ best-known landmarks. A trip to the Tigre Delta is also well worth it. The verdant wetlands with their houses built on stilts are best explored in a wooden boat.
If you bring only one thing, bring time. Outside of Buenos Aires there are still many marvels just waiting to be discovered in this ‘Land of the Gauchos’, including:
• in Jujuy: the colourful rock formations at Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• in Mendoza: the Valle de Uco wine region for a Malbec tasting and Aconcagua – South America’s highest peak at 6,967 m / 22,858 ft.
• in Ushuaia: the Beagle Channel at the ‘End of the World’ and diving with sea lions.
• in Iguazú: some 275 waterfalls along the Brazilian border.
• in Patagonia: Los Glaciares National Park (including Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site) as well as humpback whales and Magellanic penguins around Puerto Madryn.
Buenos Aires via Madrid
La Boca in Buenos Aires
Canada, North America
Starting in December, British Airways will fly from Innsbruck to London Heathrow several times a week. From this central hub, travellers can connect to numerous destinations around the globe, including Toronto. The Canadian metropolis on Lake Ontario is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and multicultural city that has a lot to offer travellers, from art and history at the Royal Ontario Museum to up-close-and-personal encounters with over 20,000 sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada to the castle-style Casa Loma mansion. The culture-rich heart of the city surrounding Toronto’s Old Town is most famous for two things: the many delicious foods to be found there and its vibrant music scene.
The surrounding country also offers many attractive options for day trips that are easy to reach by bus, train or rental car:
• Niagara Falls: These thundering waterfalls – made up of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls – can be visited year-round in Niagara Falls State Park. Skylon Tower (160 m / 252 ft) offers a panoramic view.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake: This historical town full of enchanting colourful architecture is the perfect base for touring the surrounding region and its wineries. The ice wine in particular is well worth sampling.
• Blue Mountain Village: Just two hours away from the city lies the popular Blue Mountain winter sports resort . Its wonderful slopes are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing, and snowshoe hikers will also find plenty to enjoy here.
A Toronto Maple Leafs ice hockey game is also a must – Torontonians are big sports fans! And of course, no list of Toronto’s sights would be complete without the iconic CN tower. At 553 metres / 1815 feet, this tall landmark not only offers spectacular views but is also home to the world’s highest wine cellar. Thrill seekers can even circle its top on foot on an exterior platform secured only by a harness.
NIAGARA FALLS
Toronto via London
Thailand, Asia
Austrian Airlines operates daily flights from Innsbruck to Vienna. From there, travellers can continue on to numerous Asian destinations, including Bangkok, Thailand. No matter whether you’re most interested in ornate shrines or city’s the vibrant street life, one thing is clear: Thailand’s capital is definitely a city that never sleeps – you can catch up on your z’s at the beach later. As a relaxing way to ease into Bangkok, start your visit to this ‘Venice of the East’ with a boat tour on the ChaoPhraya river. Visiting one of the city’s many temples –there are over 400 of them – is a definite must. Wat Pho in Bangkok’s Old Town is home to a 46-metre-long (150 ft) reclining Buddha statue. You may even be lucky enough to hear the monks chanting in the morning. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without sampling some of the many Thai Street Food specialities, such as Gai Tod (fried chicken). If you love bustling and colourful markets, try one of the night markets such as Jodd Fairs, or visit the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak and Aphawa. The perfect way to round off your day is sipping a ‘ThaiPirinha’ at one of the city’s many sky bars, such as the Riverview Rooftop Bar. This watering hole offers a spectacular view of this mega-metropolis, and you may also recognise it as one of the filming location for Hangover 2.
In addition to well-known classics like Phuket or Koh Samui, the ‘Land of Smiles’ has many more worthwhile destinations to offer.
• The coastal town of Pattaya is a great place to relax after Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. It will also quicken the pulse of any golf enthusiast.
• Krabi region features steep, rugged limestone cliffs that are ideal for climbing, especially round Rai Leh beach.
• The white beaches and crystal-clear waters of Koh Tao island beckon beach lovers, snorkelers and divers. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some blacktip reef sharks in Shark Bay.
• Khao Yai National Park is one of the country’s oldest and largest nature reserves and is a true paradise for hikers.
• Chiang Mai region, also called ‘The Rose of the North’, is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, lush vegetation and golden pagodas –an ideal starting point for jungle walks.
Wat Paknam in Bangkok
Bangkok via Vienna
South Africa, Afrika
Transavia operates daily flights to Amsterdam, where you can connect to flights going to all four corners of the world, including Cape Town, South Africa.
The vibrant South African metropolis not only puts fascinating nature and wildlife right at your fingertips, it also features countless sights and attractions. Take one of the many hiking trails or ride the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, the city’s main landmark. The panoramic view of both the city and the ocean is breathtaking, and if you still need more thrills, you can take a guided ‘Abseiling’ tour to reach the bottom again. Before taking a sunset cruise on a catamaran, stroll around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront district. While there, don’t forget to pop into the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum – a tribute to
a sport that is not only wildly popular in South Africa, but also a symbol of unity and reconciliation. Another can’t-miss while in Cape Town is a trip to the former prison on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously incarcerated for many years. Adventurers can get their kicks on a quad-bike tour in Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, while those seeking more tranquil amusements will delight in sipping a glass of Pinotage in one of the many wineries in and around Stellenbosch.
Hire a car for easy access to many worthwhile destinations around Cape Town:
• Boulders Beach: home to a colony of Cape penguins
• Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park: the south-westernmost tip of Africa, and thus a symbol of adventure and boldness
• Aquila Private Game Reserve: Go on safari and keep a lookout for the ‘big five’: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo
• Garden Route: Considered one of the most scenic routes on the planet, this stretch of coast will take you past mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and steppes.
Boulders Beach
Cape Town via Amsterdam
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An anniversary in review: Innsbruck Airport turns 100.
In a Festive Mood
A special anniversary calls for special celebrations. That’s why in 2025 – the year that marks its 100th ‘birthday’ – Innsbruck Airport has already hosted a number of unique celebrations and events.
Airport Walk
Normally, only pilots get to see the runway up close. However, as part of the airport’s centennial, the runway was opened to civilians this year. As part of the first-ever Airport Walk, 100 visitors had the opportunity to experience the airport from a completely new point of view. The lucky walkers were chosen by a lottery organised jointly by the airport and Life Radio. However, due to adverse weather conditions only 60 people ended up taking part in this exclusive walk on the purposely closed airport runway.
School holidays at the airport
Between August 4 and September 5, the Kinderfreunde Tirol offered summer daycare at Innsbruck Airport. Schoolchildren in first through eighth grade had the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled and exciting holiday programme and to experience the airport from a different perspective.
In honour of Innsbruck Airport’s 100th anniversary, airport historian Dr Tanja Chraust has collected some of her vast knowledge on the history of aviation in Tyrol’s capital in an impressive coffee-table book. Featuring over 300 pages of large-format photographs –many of them never before seen – accompanied by informative description the volume takes us on a fascinating and amusing tour of the Innsbruck Airport’s history, showing its importance for the entire region and its development over the decades.
Let’s go to the movies
On July 15, Innsbruck Airport hosted an event on Ö3’s Silent Cinema Open Air Kino Tour 2025. Thanks to wireless earphones, spectators could choose to watch the evening’s romantic drama We Live in Time (starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield) either dubbed in German or in the original English version.
A trip through time
Another highlight commemorating the airport’s centennial was the opening of an exhibition on October 9, 2025. On the first floor of the terminal building, an impressive series of historical photographs now takes visitors on a tour through the airport’s history, from its very beginnings in Reichenau a century ago to the present.
Celebration
On June 1, Innsbruck Airport’s 100th anniversary was officially commemorated and celebrated in the former Tyrolean Technik Hangar in the presence of many guests of honour, friends of the airport, long-standing business partners and both former and current employees. Together, they toasted to an eventful century and celebrated into the late hours.
F o r L i ttle TravellersCuriosities in aviation
Can you find seven words.
Why do we need to put our phones in flight mode?
While the plane is in the air, all mobile devices must be switched off or set to flight mode. This means we can’t make phone calls or use the internet on them. This is important for the pilots, because during the flight, they use their radio to communicate with air traffic control on the ground. These controllers tell pilots things like when to take off or when it is safe to land. If passengers on the plane are using their phones at the same time. This can interfere with the radio signal, and pilots would just hear a crackling noise. They wouldn’t be able to understand what the air traffic controllers are saying.
PAPER BAG OUTSIDE. GOODNESS INSIDE.
Tyrol to Go
If you are still trying to find a souvenir or that special gift right before take-off, look no further than the Travel Value Shop at Innsbruck Airport. Regional products from Tyrol are particularly popular purchases among travellers.
DUTY FREE VS. TRAVEL VALUE SHOP
Duty Free
• Duty-free shopping without VAT
• Only for those travelling to destinations outside the EU
• Prices lower than when purchasing domestically
• Popular products: perfume, spirits, cigarettes, luxury goods
Travel Value Shop
• Not duty free; prices include VAT
• For those travelling within the EU
• Prices often lower
• Products similar to duty free, but certain limits apply to cigarettes or spirits.
“We often notice that many people who have spent their winter holidays here want to take a piece of Tyrol back home with them.”
Nicole Schatz, Head of the Shop
Browse the shelves of this 265m2 shop (approx. 2,850 ft2) at Innsbruck Airport, and you will find a huge range of products – everything from perfumes and cosmetics to sweets and spirits to accessories and toys. The Travel Value Shop, which you will find just behind airport security, allows those travelling within the EU to shop at attractive prices –very similar to classic duty-free shopping, just not tax-free. In addition to international brands, the team led by shop manager Nicole Schatz puts particular emphasis on regionality. A product line dubbed ‘Tirol to Go’ features items from various producers in North and South Tyrol that has proven very popular among customers. “We often notice that many people who have spent their winter holidays here want to take a piece of Tyrol back home with them,” says Nicole Schatz, who has been manager of both the Travel Value Shop and the Airport Shop in the arrivals hall since 2018. Her tasks range
from taking delivery of goods to scheduling staff to designing and curating the range of products on offer.
Tyrolean Corner
Many of these regional products can be found in the Travel Value Shop’s so-called ‘Tiroler Eck’ (Tyrolean Corner), which features traditional handicrafts, culinary specialities and modern lifestyle products – many of them from small Tyrolean manufacturers. The range of products includes articles with the typical Tirolbrand design that can also be found in the official Tirol Shop, handmade chocolates by Tiroler Edle, natural soaps by Walde (the oldest soap manufacturer in Austria), salts by Essenz der Alpen, various spirits by Erber Edelbrände, among others, jams and jellies by Tiroler Früchteküche, Speck (bacon) by Handle Tyrol, waffles and chocolates made by the South Tyrolean producer Loacker, jewellery by Crystalp and accessories by Glüxwerx. The selection is regularly updated and expanded. “We are always open to new ideas and are delighted when Tyrolean producers bring products to our attention that we may then even be able to offer exclusively,” Schatz explains.
Profile
Nicole Schatz has been manager of both the Travel Value Shop and the Airport Shop at Innsbruck Airport since 2018.
Small souvenirs like magnets, snow globes featuring the Little Golden Roof, miniature Schnaps bottles or Tirol T-shirts are especially popular. “Visitors will often pick up some small last-minute gifts, for example as a thank-you to their neighbour or cat-sitter,” says Schatz.
Airport exclusive
Another highlight in the Travel Value Shop’s product range: the so-called ‘Travel Exclusive Editions’ – product variants that are only available at airports. Examples include large-format chocolates, special cosmetics sets or litre-bottles of high-quality spirits that are only sold in smaller sizes in regular shops. Frequent travellers can take advantage of a special service offered by the airport: Provided they are travelling within the EU, passengers can shop and pay at the Travel Value Shop before departure and collect their purchases at the Airport Shop in the arrivals hall upon their return. Opening hours are coordinated with flight
schedules. In general, the shop opens about two hours before each departure. In the winter, fixed opening hours from 6 am to 8 pm generally apply.
Wherever the journey leads
Over the past few years, Nicole Schatz and her team have had to face several obstacles, including pandemic-related delays in the renovation of the departures hall and the Travel Value Shop. Despite these challenges, they have remained steadfast in their aims. “In the future, I would like us to be able to offer even more unique products from Tyrolean producers – ideally items sold only in our shop and on-site at the manufacturers' premises,” says Schatz. For her, one thing is certain: For the foreseeable future and beyond, tourists will be able to take home their very own ‘piece of Tyrol’.
From traditional handicrafts to culinary specialities – the Travel Value Shop offers a wide range of regional products.
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Working Where the World Comes Together
For three years, Amal Boufrioua has been working at the Travel Value Shop at Innsbruck Airport. The things she likes most about her job are the international atmosphere, the strong team spirit and getting to meet people from all around the world.
When Amal Boufrioua moved to Tyrol for love some 17 years ago, it marked a radical change in her life.
“Until that point, I had always lived in large cities, and then I suddenly found myself in a small village,” the native Moroccan says. Coming here was a giant and courageous step for her – at the time, she spoke no German and didn’t know anyone besides her husband. Back in Morocco, she had studied French literature and then worked as a secretary for eleven years, but in Tirol she hoped to find a new career path. She was looking for a job that would allow her to work with people and expand her language skills. “Sales assistant was a perfect fit,” the mother of two says now.
Working at the airport
After 15 years in retail, Boufrioua finally arrived at the Travel Value Shop at Innsbruck Airport, where she immediately felt at home. “I was able to start work soon after interviewing our shop manager, and I could tell right away: This is the perfect workplace for me,” she says, beaming. The most important factor is her team. “We are like family. We laugh a lot, support each other and pull together. That makes every workday special.” Even the early shift, which starts at 5 am, can’t dampen Boufrioua’s sunny mood. “I start looking forward to the day the minute I get up in the morning – that’s just the best feeling there is.”
“We are like family. We laugh a lot, support each other and pull together. That makes every workday special.”
Never a dull day
What this dedicated employee also appreciates is the variety her job provides. Sometimes she helps out in the Trafik (news agent and tobacconist shop), sometimes she is in the Travel Value Shop. She restocks shelves, advises customers or mans the till – each day brings different tasks and encounters with different people. Boufrioua particularly enjoys how international her clientele is. “This is a place where the world comes together. People from the most diverse countries visit our shop and take home products that will remind them of their time in Tyrol.” Her background and language skills are valuable assets in
interacting with international guests. “My mother tongue is Arabic, and I am fluent in French. Many travellers are delighted when I can address them and help them in their own language.” This leads to little conversations and stories that make each day special.
Unforgettable moments
For Boufrioua, getting to meet and interact with so many travellers is the best part of her job. She enjoys the international buzz, which reminds her of the vibrant city life she came from.
Even during the hectic winter months her enjoyment of her job never wavers. “The days just fly by – which is actually nice,” she laughs. During the winter high season, many of passengers visiting the shop are British or Dutch. “Everyone is very polite and friendly. You can really tell that they’ve just spent a wonderful holiday in the Alps.” Sometimes she even meets a celebrity at the airport. “A month ago, for instance, the Saudi Arabian football team was here. None of my colleagues recognised them, but I did right away, and I was thrilled to meet them in person. Those are the moments you remember for a long time,” Boufrioua says with a smile.
Our Deepest Gratitude to Dr Paula Stecher
Since 2012, as Chair of the TFG’s Supervisory Board, Mag.Dr. Paula Stecher has played an essential role in shaping the airport’s destiny. Over thirteen years, Dr Stecher has chaired over 50 board meetings, which covered both day-to-day business and pivotal decisions for the airport. Decisions taken under her guidance include creating a rental car centre in the indoor car park or adding another storey to the check-in building in order to build the Tyrol Business Lounge, which has proven so very popular with passengers. The challenging implementation of the large-scale runway renovation project also fell within her tenure. In addition to expanding and modernising the airport’s infrastructure, Dr Stecher was also very invested in improving the number and range of flights offered to and from Innsbruck. No matter the weather and no matter the time of day, an enthusiastic Dr Stecher could always be found in the thick of things, as was the case when she was out on the apron to personally welcome the first British Air, Air France or Aegean flights to arrive in Innsbruck. A passionate world traveller herself, Dr Stecher put great importance on the range of holiday flights available to her fellow Tyroleans. In general, Dr Stecher cared deeply about the concerns of the people around her: Whether they were local residents or members of staff, they were sure to find an open ear in her.
Dear Dr Stecher, Dear Paula, we want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you once again for your outstanding commitment and unfailing support over the past 13 years.
We wish you all the very best for your future.
Managing Airport Director Dipl.-Ing. Marco Pernetta and the entire team at Innsbruck Airport
Innsbruck
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Flight Operations in 1965 –The Opening Year of the New Southern Airport Premises
TANJA CHRAUST
For sixty years, commercial flight operations at Innsbruck Airport have been carried out at the ‘new’ airport premises to the south of the runway. These facilities officially opened on April 24, 1965, though they had already been in use provisionally during the IX Winter Olympic Games in 1964. Air sports such as gliding, on the other hand, remain rooted at the older buildings to the north of the runway. Until the mid-1960s, the airport in Innsbruck was located to the north of the runway. These premises were officially inaugurated by the French occupational forces on January 15, 1948, under the name ‘Innsbruck West’. As ten years of occupation drew to a close, they were handed over to the newly independent Republic of Austria on September 13, 1955, and re-named ‘Innsbruck Kranebitten’. By 1960, it was becoming clear that these premises would not be able handle the increasing passenger volumes (1958: 12,529; 1959: 18,784; 1960: 25,612). Due to the airport’s proximity to the slopes of the Nordkette mountains and the ever-approaching urbanised areas, it was impossible to enlarge Innsbruck Kranebitten’s premises. Accordingly, in 1960 the supervisory board of the Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft
IMG. 1
decided to build new airport facilities on the vacant terrain to the south of the existing 2000-metre airport runway. Construction began on September 11, 1961, and the new airport officially opened under the name ‘Flughafen Innsbruck’ on April 24, 1965. The new premises were designed to handle some 100,000 passengers per year. They included a control tower measuring 27 m / 97 ft and a terminal building with two single-storey extensions to its east and west.
The airport restaurant was located on the first (above-ground) floor of the terminal building and had an enclosed viewing terrace. Aircraft parking areas, taxiways, access roads and car parks were also constructed. In the new southern airport’s opening year (1965), the mainstays of local
The nearly completed new southern airport premises – named ‘Flughafen Innsbruck’ or ‘Innsbruck Airport’ – including the access road and car park.
Aircraft parked on the apron of the new southern airport premises: Vickers Viscount 732 (British Eagle), ConvairCV-440 Metropolitan (Swissair) and behind them two Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador (Dan-Air).
IMG. 3
A four-engine DC-7 owned by Saturn Airways. In the background, we can see the old airport buildings (on the right) and the premises used by glider pilots and other air sports enthusiasts (on the left).
flight operations included Swissair und British Eagle International Airlines as well as Austrian Airlines. Swissair had already begun operating a Zurich–Innsbruck route on May 26, 1951; British Eagle Internation Airlines added a London–Innsbruck connection on May 21, 1955.
However, it was not until September 5, 1959, that Innsbruck was integrated into the route network of Austrian Airlines (founded September 30, 1957) as part of the Vienna–Innsbruck–Zurich route.
Over the following years, Austrian Airlines continually expanded its flights to and from Innsbruck, meaning that by 1965, the flight roster at the new Innsbruck Airport included the following routes: Innsbruck–Zürich, Salzburg–Innsbruck–Frankfurt, Salzburg–Innsbruck–London, Innsbruck–Paris–London, Vienna–Innsbruck and Vienna–Salzburg–Innsbruck. In addition to scheduled flights, charter flights formed
another important pillar in local aviation. These included Austrian Airlines and Dan-Air (London–Innsbruck), Martin’s Air Charter and Schreiner Airways (Amsterdam–Innsbruck), and Saturn Airways (Berlin–Innsbruck).
The aircraft used to operate these scheduled and charter flights include the four-engine Vickers Viscount 837 and twin-engine DC-3 (Austrian Airlines), the four-engine Viscount types 700 (British Eagle), the twin-engine Convair CV-440 (Swissair), the twin-engine Airspeed AS. 57 ‘Ambassador’ (Dan-Air), the twin-engine Fokker F-27 (Schreiner Airways), the DC-3 (Martin’s Air) and the four-engine DC-7 (Saturn Airways). Thanks to this rather impressive flight roster, in 1965 the new southern premises at ‘Flughafen Innsbruck’ were able to process a total of 39,535 passengers (31,071 on scheduled flights and 8,464 on charter flights).
Armin
Stotter, Thaur
Tranquil Take-off
Dizziness, a racing heart, difficulty breathing – fear of flying can be a very unpleasant travel companion indeed. Even so, air travel – be it for business or pleasure – is unavoidable for many of us. Here are some simple steps you can take to alleviate stress and quiet your fears.
1.
Breathing Exercises
5.
Talking helps
If you suffer from a severe fear of flying, make sure to inform the cabin crew before departure Flight attendants are trained and can help you through anxiety or panic attacks.
Slow and steady breathing calms your nervous system. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and then exhale for 8 seconds. If you are feeling short of breath, 2 seconds in and 4 seconds out can work as well.
4.
Comfort food
Both fatty foods and an empty stomach can cause nausea or exacerbate travel sickness. Try to eat a light meal before flying. Avoid alcohol and coffee, as they can intensify anxiety.
2.
Distraction
Reality shows, novels or podcasts – something to help take your mind off the flight can reduce feelings of anxiety. Pick whatever works best for you – the more engrossing, the better.
3.
Positive thinking
Did you know that, statistically, air travel is actually the safest form of transport there is?
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