Transport in Germany - Air Transport

Air Transport

Short distances and the extensive network of motorways and railways make airplanes uncompetitive for travel within Germany. Only about 1% of all distance travelled was by plane in 2002. But due to a decline in prices with the introduction of low-fares airlines, domestic air travel is becoming more attractive.

Airports

Frankfurt International Airport is Germany's largest airport and a major transportation hub in Europe. Frankfurt Airport ranks among the world's top ten airports. It is one of the airports with the largest number of international destinations served worldwide. Depending on whether total passengers, flights or cargo traffic are used as a measure, it ranks first, second or third in Europe alongside London Heathrow Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Germany's second most important international airport is Munich. Other major airports are Berlin Tegel, Berlin Schönefeld, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne-Bonn, Leipzig/Halle.

Both airports in Berlin will be consolidated at a site adjacent to Schönefeld Airport, which will become Berlin Brandenburg Airport, to open on 27 October 2013.

Airports — with paved runways:

• total: 320
  • over 3,047 m: 14
  • 2,438 to 3,047 m: 61
  • 1,524 to 2,437 m: 67
  • 914 to 1,523 m: 56
  • under 914 m: 122 (1999 est.)

Airports — with unpaved runways:

• total: 295
  • over 3,047 m: 2
  • 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  • 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  • 914 to 1,523 m: 55
  • under 914 m: 226 (1999 est.)

Heliports: 59 (1999 est.)

see: List of airports in Germany