How to keep air travel with little ones stress free
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INTERVIEW
Marco Pernetta on challenges, growth and an anniversary
Imprint — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck Production: TARGET GROUP Publishing GmbH Editorial team: Daniel Feichtner (head) Barbara Kluibenschädl (head), Michaela Ehammer, Anna Füreder, Viktoria Gleischer, Lisa Schwarzenauer Grafics: Katharina Angerer Photos, unless specified otherwise: Shutterstock.com, AdobeStock Print: Intergraphik GmbH, Innsbruck — Information disclosure in accordance with § 25 MedienG can be found at www. innsbruck-airport.com/impressum.
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MEDITERRANEAN DREAM DESTINATION
Mallorca
16
MULTIFACETED ISLAND
CORSICA
p. 26 RED CARPET VIPs on our ‘runway’
p. 28
ACCESS INTERNATIONAL Innsbruck Airport and its significance for the ‘convention city’
Dear Readers, Spring has sprung, and with it comes a desire to travel. It is high time to start thinking about where you would like to spend the most wonderful part of the year. In this issue, we will again present many of the best options for anyone seeking rest, relaxation, adventure, fun in the sun and more –all conveniently reachable from Innsbruck.
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MEET THE COMMANDER Interview with Chief Inspector Harald Staudacher
p. 36
A ROCKY ROAD How Innsbruck got its first airport
Southward
Direct flights from Innsbruck to Antalya start in May 2025, putting your dreams of summer on the Turkish Riviera right at your fingertips.
Mountains on fire
A 90-minute drive south of Antalya you will find Chimaira, a former cultic sight best known for its eternal natural fires. Since antiquity, gases escaping though vents in the ground have been feeding flames up to 50 cm / 20 inches high. The fire fields are particularly popular for evening and night-time excursions.
Stroll and discover
Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town, is full of small, winding alleyways, cozy cafés, Ottoman architecture and small shops selling souvenirs, spices, textiles, leather goods and more. While exploring this charming town, be sure to stop by the historical Hadrian’s Gate
SIDE
TEMPLE ON THE SEA
The village of Side and its ancient ruins 100 km / 60 miles east of Antalya are well worth a visit. Side’s best-known sights include the Roman baths, the amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo, located right on the coast.
WHAT A VIEW
In ancient times, Mount Tahtalı Dağı, also known as the Lycian Olympus, was one of the places believed to be the seat of the gods. Today, this mountain (2366 m / 7762 ft) offers a spectacular view of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can hike up on foot or take the cable car.
London Hit the city
Turkey is chock-full of natural beauty, but London can also be an exciting alternative summer destination. Gatwick Airport, located about 45 km / 28 miles south of the city, is easy to reach and offers quick and convenient access to this buzzing metropolis and its world-famous sights, including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace
Köprülü Canyon, located in a national park of the same name, is the perfect destination for hikers and active holidaymakers. This natural gem can be explored on foot, but if you want more action (and maybe a refreshing dip), try one of the many rafting tours offered on the river.
“This summer, a total of 14 holiday destinations will be accessible via direct flights from Innsbruck.”
Marco
Pernetta, Managing Director, Innsbruck Airport
increase the frequency of winter flights to Amsterdam, Athens, Bristol, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Brussels and Hamburg. Moreover, we were able to add three completely new destinations this winter: Madrid with Iberia, Riga with airBaltic and two connections to Warsaw with LOT Polish Airlines and Austrian Airlines.
How important are international visitors and the winter season for the airport?
Innsbruck is one of the most seasonal airports in all of Europe, and the winter season is extremely important for us. Demand from international guests who want to spend their winter holidays in Tyrol is strong, and we believe we are seeing an increase. Great Britain and the Netherlands are our most important markets of origin in this regard. More than half our annual passengers are processed in the first three winter months of the year, which only goes to show how important this season is for us.
What are your expectations and plans for 2025?
First and foremost, this year will be all about our anniversary. Innsbruck Airport first opened its gates in 1925 – although that first airport was located in Reichenau, at the eastern end of the city. This means that on June 1, we will be turning 100 years old. This is a certainly cause for
In 2024
862,202 passengers used Innsbruck Airport on scheduled and charter flights
The airport employs
173 staff year-round and some 190 seasonal workers in the winter months (data from December 2024)
In summer 2025, there will be direct flights to
14
holiday destinations from Innsbruck
celebration, and we intend to do just that, among other things, at our annual airport festival on October 26. Besides our centenary, we are also very pleased about our summer destinations: In addition to our three new winter destinations, we have also added Turkey to our summer roster, with one direct flight per week to Antalya starting in May. This means that a total of 14 holiday destinations will be accessible via direct flights from Innsbruck this summer. Our long-standing travel partners TUI Austria, Idealtours, Rhomberg Reisen, Christophorus Reisen and Stoll Reisen have put together various packages that can be booked online or through Tyrolean travel agencies.
How do you see the future of Innsbruck Airport in the coming years?
We are confident that we will see passenger growth over the next few years. Our focus is on continuing to make the airport more attractive and tapping into
new markets. We are working closely with our partners and doing our best to adapt our services to passengers’ needs and wishes. We are proud of the role we play as a location factor for the region and will persist in our efforts to strengthen this position.
How is the airport important for Innsbruck and Tyrol?
We are closely intertwined with the tourism sector in Tyrol and with the regional economy in general. The airport itself employs 173 permanent staff year-round and more than the same number again as seasonal workers during the winter months. Add to that some 500 jobs in companies, offices and authorities based at the airport. This makes us an important major employer. Moreover, we are aware of our responsibility as the link to international markets, which are important both for tourism and for institutions such as the University of Innsbruck.
“Demand from international guests who want to spend their winter holidays in Tyrol is strong, and we believe we are seeing an increase.”
Marco Pernetta, Managing Director, Innsbruck airport
Just a two-hour flight from Innsbruck lies an amazing island just waiting to be discovered by anyone seeking calm and rest, thrills and excitement, and more. Few other holiday destinations can offer as much variety, adventure and relaxation as Mallorca.
THE LARGER ISLAND
The name Mallorca comes from the Latin name ‘Insula Maior’, which simply means ‘the larger island’. Of course, this means there must be a ‘smaller island’ as well – and there is! Northeast of Mallorca, you will find Menorca, whose name was once ‘Insula Minor’.
The Balearic island of Mallorca is one of the most popular holiday islands for good reason. Thanks to its natural beauty and its multifaceted towns and villages, Mallorca has a lot to offer. Besides the capital of Palma de Mallorca, with its winding alleys, many cafes and restaurants, and historical buildings, the island has pretty much everything you could ask for in a dream holiday destination. If you are longing for ocean breezes, then Mallorca’s white sandy beaches, small coves and gorgeous dunes are the ideal place to find them.
Experience the island
Looking for exciting and unique experiences? You will certainly find them here! If you want to visit one of the island’s authentic mountain towns, try a trip to Valldemossa, a car-free village just 20 minutes from Palma. Perched on a hilltop, this charming village is a great starting point for walks and hikes in the Tramuntana Mountains. For another unforgettable adventure, hop on the historic railway from Palma to Sóller and soak in some of the best views of the beautiful landscapes you will ever hope to find. Once in Sóller, the traditional market or the nearby port are well worth visiting. Round out your day at one of the many tapas bars and sample some of the various small regional dishes so typical of Spain.
FLEXIBEL UMBUCHEN ODER STORNIEREN
Vorfreude garantiert.
Mit TUI direkt ab Innsbruck in den Sommerurlaub.
1x wöchentlich Antalya
1x wöchentlich Kalabrien
1x wöchentlich Karpathos 1x wöchentlich Rhodos
2x wöchentlich Mallorca
Buchung und Details auf www.tui.at und im Reisebüro.
Angebote entdecken:
2x wöchentlich Kreta
1x wöchentlich Kos
Corsica The multifaceted island paradise
Just 100 minutes by plane from Innsbruck lies Corsica – a true island paradise. Known as the Isle of Beauty, this pearl of the Mediterranean has two distinct but equally fascinating regions: the blooming north and the sun-drenched south.
Corsica’s south offers French Caribbean flair in the Mediterranean.
Northern Corsica – A fragrant flower garden
The easiest way to get to Corsica is to fly into to the port town of Calvi, the capital of the charming Balagne region. Our journey begins here, in narrow streets lined with small cafés and boutiques. Balagne is known as the flowering garden of Corsica. Especially in the springtime, the beguiling scent of the Macchia (maquis shrubland) – a blend of myrtle, rosemary, juniper, lavender and broom – wafts over the lands carried on the fresh sea breeze. Soak in this heady mixture as you walk or cycle through the landscape. Relax and soak up the sun on one of the familyfriendly, long sandy beaches or in one of the small, hidden coves, which are among the most beautiful in Corsica. Or take in the majestic views of the lush olive groves from one of the historic villages perched up on the hills.
Southern Corsica – Caribbean flair in the Mediterranean
The southern half of the island offers French Caribbean flair in the
Mediterranean. The Porto Vecchio region on the south coast is a multifaceted gem whose beauty and diversity are breathtaking. It is perhaps best known for its glorious, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Bonifacio, a port town enthroned on white limestone cliffs, is as pretty as a picture postcard. Porto Vecchio is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sea and laid-back Corsican atmosphere. The striking peaks of the Bavella Mountains will entice you to let your gaze wander or to explore the unspoilt countryside on one of the area’s many hiking trails. The tranquillity of the island’s forests and gorges reveal Corsica’s natural beauty in all its splendour.
Bei Neubuchung vom 01.-30.04.25 + Kinder reisen ab EUR 99,+ Volle Flexibilität
Kostenfrei umbuchen oder stornieren bis 30 Tage vor Reiseantritt mit Geld-zurück-Garantie.*
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Just a short flight away, there are few other destinations that offer such a wide variety of ways to spend the best time of the year.
Lesbos Authenticity and genuine hospitality
Epirus Hiking with Ionian Sea views
In the green north-west of Greece lies Epirus – a nature lover’s paradise. Vikos Canyon is among the deepest gorges in the world, crystal-clear rivers wind their way through lush valleys, and the old quarries and shepherds’ paths in the Pindos Mountains beckon explorers. After a day of outdoor activity, visitors can enjoy fresh fish in one of Parga’s rustic tavernas while watching the crimson sun sink below the horizon.
In many places, Lesbos is still Greece as it once was – villages buzzing with Ouzo-soaked conversation, hot thermal springs and quiet beaches. The island is a paradise for independent travellers in search of authentic Greece – tavernas where the owners still man the grill themselves and kafenia (traditional coffee houses) where you quickly become one of the regulars. Those who have been to Lesbos return time and time again.
Lefkas & Kefalonia
Caribbean flair in the Ionian Sea
The islands of Lefkas and Kefalonia are home to dramatic cliffs and turquoise coves. Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. In Lefkas, you can kayak through hidden sea caves. The secluded nature of many of these islands’ beaches make them real hideaways, ideal for anyone who wants to experience the sea in its most pristine form.
THE HARBOUR OF PARGA
Chalkidiki
Diversity on the three ‘fingers’
Three peninsulas jut out into the Aegean Sea – each of them with its own, unique charm. While Kassandra beguiles her visitors with miles and miles of beaches, Sithonia offers secluded coves and rustic villages. Athos, the third and easternmost of the three ‘fingers’, is a mysterious, monastic world. Amidst it all are vineyards, hidden boutique hotels and tavernas serving freshcaught seafood. The nearby city of Thessaloniki is a perfect blend of Ottoman history, urban cool and culinary highlights. Stroll through Aristotle Square by day and immerse yourself in the vibrant bar scene by night. Chalkidiki offers endless opportunities for a varied holiday where no two days are the same.
There’s a good reason why Greece has long been one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.
Kalamata Luxury meets nature
Kalamata, the gateway to the Peloponnese Peninsula, is famous the world over for its olives. This is where Greek luxury meets unspoilt nature, uniting these with everything a holidaymaker could wish for. Gorgeous sandy beaches invite you to relax and unwind while secluded coves with authentic Mediterranean flair offer the perfect place to get away from it all. Active travellers can look forward to impressive fortresses, magnificent landscapes and a well-developed network of walking and hiking trails, golf courses and more – all with the charm of genuine, untainted Greece.
SITHONIA, KALAMITSI BEACH
Travelling With Tots
Air travel with children can be an exciting experience. To keep everything as stress-free as possible for everyone involved, preparation is key. Here are some tips and tricks to help make your plane trip go smoothly.
IDs and documents
Since 2012, children need their own ID documents to travel – an entry in their parent’s passport is no longer valid. They require
• for travel within the EU: a national ID card (Personalausweis)
• for travel beyond the EU: a valid passport with a biometric photo
TIP
Well before you leave, make sure passports or IDs will still be valid. For infants and children under the age of two, passports are usually valid for two years; after this, five years; from their twelfth birthday onwards, ten years.
Take your seats
Choosing the right seats can help make your flying experience as pleasant as possible. Children ages 2 and up require their own seat. To ensure that families can sit together, it is advisable to check in online or reserve seats in advance. A window seat not only offers a great view during take-off and above the clouds; it can also provide plenty of entertainment for kids. Children under the age of two are not entitled to their own seat and must travel on an adult’s lap. Cabin crew will provide you with a special baby harness or safety belt that must be worn during take-off and landing. If you decide to pay for an additional seat for your baby or toddler, it is a good idea to bring a special safety seat (like the ones you use in cars) on board. Check to see if it is labelled safe and appropriate ‘for use in aircraft’.
TIP
On long-haul flights, the airline will usually provide bassinets for infants. Cabin crew will attach them to the wall and help secure your baby with a special seatbelt. Make sure to reserve well in advance as availability may be limited.
Warm clothing
Climate control on airplanes can often make the cabin a bit chilly, so it’s a good idea to have baby blankets and the like on hand in your carry-on. Layered clothing is the best way to prevent kids from catching a chill – the ‘onion look’ will help keep kids warm on board, and layers are easy to ‘peel’ off when the air is warmer.
STAY CALM
Rule number one for parents: Try to stay calm and relaxed, even if a child is crying, screaming or being unruly. This is especially true when faced with fellow passengers who show little to no
EAR PRESSURE
The rapid change in air pressure can scare and distress children, especially during take-off and landing. When the aircraft starts gathering speed, kids should be awake and busy sucking, chewing and swallowing. Depending on their age, there are a few things that can help them clear their ears and equalise the pressure:
• nurse or bottle-feed infants or give them a pacifier
Travel games
A favourite cuddly toy can work wonders on a flight, and so can the right toys and games. Ideally, you want a good mix of familiar and new things that are quiet and contain as few small parts as possible.
for babies and toddlers: touch-and-feel books, sensory games and activities that can be attached to the airplane window by suction cup
for kids: Playmobil or Duplo building blocks, magnetic games or puzzles, materials for drawing or colouring, card games like UNO or quartets, puzzle books
für older kids: colourful thread or yarn for crafts such as making friendship bracelets, adventure books, kids sudoku, mandala colouring books
TIP
Don’t show your little ones all the games right at the start. Little surprises can help provide variety, keep kids happy and entertained, and make time fly while you’re in the air.
Spotted
Spiritual leaders, Hollywood stars and heads of state – Innsbruck Airport has welcomed any number of prominent guests. From ceremonial welcomes to lightning visits – this runway has some stories to tell.
Pope John Paul II
During the second of his three trips to Austria, Pope John Paul II also visited Innsbruck in 1988. Bishop Reinhold Stecher and Cardinal Hermann Groër gave him a ceremonial welcome at the airport before accompanying him up to the Bergisel arena, where the Pontifex celebrated mass in front of 50,000 faithful.
Paris Hilton
In 2007, hotel heiress Paris Hilton was actually supposed to land in Munich and then take a stretch limousine to Ischgl, where she was promoting a Prosecco. However, it seems this was too dull for the It-girl, who decided to touch down in Innsbruck and continue straight on to Paznaun Valley by helicopter.
Tyrol is not just a popular holiday and skiing destination – it is also a very attractive place for trade fairs, conventions and conferences. Congress Messe Innsbruck alone welcomes half a million visitors every year, many of whom travel here from all around the world.
There are many reasons to come to Tyrol, and one of them is trade fairs, conventions, congresses and conferences. “The congress and trade fair industry is a key driver for the economy and the sciences in Tyrol. International conventions, trade fairs and conferences bring together high-calibre experts and companies from across the globe, stimulate the exchange of knowledge and strengthen innovation,” explains Christian Mayerhofer, CEO of Congress Messe Innsbruck (CMI). This has a major economic impact, as a WIFO study from 2019 shows. “The socio-economic effects of Congress Messe Innsbruck were calculated at €360 million per year. The high gross value added is driven to an above-average extent by international participants, guests, exhibitors and organisers.” The Interalpin trade fair, which is held every two years, deserves special mention: In May 2025, it will once again reunite the global cable car industry and decision makers from all over the world in Innsbruck.
“Without direct flights to international hubs, Tyrol would simply not be able to compete as an international congress, trade fair and event destination.”
Christian Mayerhofer,
CEO of Congress Messe
Innsbruck (CMI)
Essential connections
To compete in the international arena, you need partnerships, networks and the right infrastructure – the latter including, among other things, a sufficient number of accommodation options and an airport with attractive connections to international travel hubs such as Frankfurt, Vienna, London and Amsterdam. “Without direct flights to international hubs, Tyrol would simply not be able to compete as an international congress, trade fair and event destination. International conventions and trade fairs live and die by the participation of experts from around the world, and that only happens when it is possible to travel to a location quickly and conveniently,” explains Mayerhofer. When these conditions are not met, organisers and delegates will likely choose another destination.
“Innsbruck Airport is therefore an essential component and partner in the congress, trade fair and event industry,” the expert stresses.
SPIELRAUM FÜR DEN ERFOLG
Architektonisch einzigartig, historisch eindrucksvoll und umgeben von hochalpinen Gipfeln eröffnet Congress Messe Innsbruck neue Spielräume für nachhaltig erfolgreiche Veranstaltungen. Profitieren Sie vom international erprobten Know-How eines hochprofessionellen Teams und drei inspirierenden Standorten in Innsbruck.
Harald Staudacher has gained a wealth of experience in law enforcement. Now, after 36 years in service, the federal police officer has taken up a new post, succeeding Johannes Erlsbacher as station head and commander of border police at Innsbruck Airport.
Profile
Chief Inspector Harald Staudacher has been working for the Federal Police (Bundespolizei) since 1989 and in the field since 1992. His career has included, among other things, ten years with the Cobra task force (a tactical unit under the command of the Ministry of the Interior). Until 2024, he headed the Innsbruck-Saggen police station. Last September, he succeeded Johannes Erlsbacher as commander of the border police at Innsbruck airport.
You have now been commander of the airport police station since September. Was this a career goal of yours?
I hadn’t actually planned this. When I heard that the post was going to become available, I gave it a lot of thought. After 36 years in law enforcement, starting over again in a position like this – in a completely new area of expertise and with many new tasks and responsibilities – was bound to be a great challenge. However, my predecessor, Johannes Erlsbacher, advised me to take the plunge, and he was absolutely right.
How have the first few months in your new post been?
I was doubly lucky with my career change: For one thing, I was able to take up my new post before the start of the winter charter months, which gave me a relatively calm start before the high season really got going. For another, I took over a well-functioning station with a very competent second-in-command. This allowed me to ease into my new tasks and gave me the time to get to know my new work environment, the new subject areas and the people involved. Even so, there
was a lot to do and a lot to learn right from the start. And ever since the winter high season began, the days have gone by very quickly.
What makes police service at the airport so different from working elsewhere?
On the one hand, our department is a ‘normal’ police station, so the work includes everything that would also arise in regular radio patrol service. On the other, there is everything that has to do with the airport, which is an extremely broad field.
It starts with border security and immigration, both of which come with a whole slew of regulations that can often change very quickly. As part of this duty, we carry out minimum and more thorough checks, for example. Then there is the protection of the airport as infrastructure, the supervision of the security company that handles passenger checks and much, much more.
Which offenses do you deal with most frequently in Innsbruck?
Certain things we see over and over. Of courses there is preventing illegal migration or the misuse of visas and
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IMG. 2
The airport site covered an area of approximately 15.84 hectares / 39 acres. On it, there were two hangars, a small, one-storey wooden building that was used for administration and passenger processing, an outdoor dining area and a grass airfield. In the background, we can see a building belonging to the municipal estate.
3
project soon proved easier to resolve than finding and purchasing a suitable site.
Areas in the west (Höttinger Au, Völser Au) and in the east of the city (Rossau, Thaurer Au) were discussed, but none of them was viable as they were not owned by the city and were needed as agricultural land to supply the local population. A way out of this difficult situation was finally found when the city of Innsbruck offered to make part of its municipal estate in Reichenau available for aviation. The municipal council gave its approval on December 19, 1924, and the Tyrolean provincial parliament decided to contribute financially to the airport project the very next day, so the way was finally clear for the establishment of Innsbruck’s first air traffic station. Construction began in the spring of 1925: In addition to the erection of two hangars with concrete foundations, a one-storey wooden building that was already on site had to be dismantled, moved, reassembled
and adapted to serve as an airport building. Reichenauer Straße had to be extended to provide an access road, and extensive levelling work was required for the grass airfield. Finally, on May 1, 1925, the Tiroler Flugverkehrsgesellschaft (Tyrolean Aviation Company) was founded with the Land Tirol (Province of Tyrol), the Stadt Innsbruck (City of Innsbruck) and the Tiroler Landesverkehrszentrale (Tyrolean Traffic Authority) as its shareholders. Once the site had been officially approved and accepted by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Transport on May 30, 1925, Innsbruck’s first air traffic station was ceremoniously opened on June 1, 1925, under the name “Flughafen Innsbruck”. On the very same day, the German airline Süddeutscher Aero Lloyd made its maiden flight from Munich to Innsbruck. After years of toil, plans had finally come to fruition: The city in the heart of the Alps was now connected to the burgeoning European aviation network.
