Airports Archives ⋆ The Passenger

September 11, 2024September 21, 2024

Berlin-Brandenburg

After World War II and during the occupation of Germany the four allies had ‘their’ airports at Berlin: Schönefeld (SXF) was used by the Russians, Tegel (TXL) by the French, Gatow (GWW) by the British and Tempelhof (THF) was the US airbase. The German reunification then created the need to change airport infrastructure at the German capital city. A decision was made to extend the Schönefeld airport to become the new Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (BER) and to name it after former German chancellor Willy Brandt.

September 11, 2024September 21, 2024

City airport

When it comes to airports at and near London, there a multiple options. Luton (LTN), Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) are further outside and often used by low-price airlines and vacation flights. Most business trips are probably carried out via Heathrow (LHR) which is the biggest hub, but there is also a good option closer to the city center: the City Airport (LCY). It is located east of Canary Wharf and North Greenwich close to river Thames and directly next a marina; that’s why there is water close to the runway.

July 14, 2024July 27, 2024

YYC

The international airport of Calgary (YYC) is a middle-size airport located in the north of the city. It is a convenient airport with many seating options, good coffee bars and restaurants and the fastest security check I’ve ever experienced. YYC has four runways and transports 18 million passengers per year. Initially used for military purposes the first civilians were starting their flights here in 1946. Today not only Air Canada and North-American airlines use the airport; also KLM, Condor and Edelweiss Air are landing here.

July 1, 2024July 27, 2024

Vancouver International

The international airport of Vancouver (YVR) is located 12 kilometers southwest of the city center. Opened in 1931 it is today the second-busiest airport of Canada with three runways and 25 million passengers per year. YVR is a well-designed airport and probably absolutely hassle-free to pass through. In addition to the local airlines (and Air Canada being the biggest user) also Air France, Air China, Air India, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines use YVR. Local connections within Canada – even to Tofino on Vancouver Island are possible.

April 17, 2024May 20, 2024

Cape Town airport

The international airport of Cape Town (CPT) can be found at Matroosfontain, 20 kilometers afar, southeast of the city. It is a good and clean airport that you can pass pretty fast – even while being the second-busiest airport after O.R. Tambo at Johannesburg. It was opened in 1954, has two runways and transports 8 million passengers each year. The reason why it is so good and fast is probably the FIFA World Cup which took place in South Africa in 2010 and led to a massive expansion of this airport.

April 17, 2024May 20, 2024

OR Tambo

The international airport of Johannesburg (JNB) is the most-frequented airport of South Africa and named after Oliver Reginald Kaizana Tambo, leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1980s. It is located 20 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg and is the gateway to the capital city Pretoria as well as the most important entry point to the country. The airport was founded in 1952, has two runways and transports more than 15 million passengers every year.

January 31, 2024September 21, 2024

Zentralflughafen

The Tempelhof airport (THF) at Berlin was one of the earliest public airports at Germany operating between 1923 and 2008. During this time it was continuously extended and was ahead of its time: with hotels, restaurants and a subway stop directly next to it. Today it is replaced by the new Berlin airport (BER), the historic building is used for offices and the former airfield is now a vast park known as the Tempelhofer Feld, larger than the country San Marino. Additionally you can book guided tours at the former airport to experience the special architecture.

October 3, 2023November 12, 2023

Heydər Əliyev adına beynəlxalq hava limanı

The international airport of Bakı (GYD, Azerbaijan) has two terminals (an old a new one) and is located 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. It was opened in 1980, has two runways and is operated by the state-owned airline Azal. I arrived with Azal from თბილისი and landed at terminal 2 which is rather small: just go through passport control, pick your bag, pass the toll control and your done. You still have the chance to exchange or withdraw some money, but there around much other facilities at the terminal.

October 1, 2023October 23, 2023

თბილისის საერთაშორისო აეროპორტი

The international airport of თბილისი (TBS) is also the largest airport of Georgia. It has two runways and two terminals; it serves more than three million passengers every year. German passengers will see this airport only at night: Lufthansa lands here always at 4 am to be able to start again at 5 am and be back in central Europe for normal flight times after 9 am. That feels a bit odd, but the airport is fully operational at night.

August 20, 2023September 8, 2023

Lufthavn

The Lufthavn of Oslo, Norway, is one of the airports you’ll love: short ways to walk, natural materials everywhere and sufficient places to sit back and relax. It is located in the community Gardermoen, 50 kms north of Oslo and it was established in 1912. There is only one terminal but two runways that bring 32 millions of passengers each year into the air. Flying via OSL is really hassle-free: four times the airport has already been awarded the title of the most punctual airport in Europe.