Vienna International Airport

VIE originated in 1938 and was used during WWII as the southern military aircraft design and production complex of the Heinkel firm. In 1945 it was captured by the British and became RAF (Royal Air Force) Schwechat as part of Austria’s occupation. Although the occupation ended in 1955, the Betriebsgesellschaft (operating company) had already formed in the year prior, with the airport designated as a replacement for Aspern as both Vienna’s and the country’s main airport. As of 1959, there was one runway measuring 9,843 feet in length. Work on the new airport terminal began that same year. A second runway was added in 1972, and in 1982 the airport was connected to the Ostautobahn, the national highway network. In 1986 an enlarged arrival hall opened, with the East Pier (and its eight jet bridges) opening in 1988. The new Terminal 1 opened in 1992, and the following year a shopping area around the plaza in the transit area of gates B, C, and D opened. In 1996, the West Pier (and its 12 jet bridges) went into operation. In 2006, a new 358-foot air traffic control tower went into operation.
Furthermore, between 2004 and 2007, a 740,000-square-foot Office Park was constructed, whereas a general aviation terminal (with its apron) opened in 2006. On June 5th, 2012, Terminal 3 (also known as the Austrian Star Alliance Terminal) opened, with 17 jet bridges, at the cost of 77o million euros. While the new terminal can accommodate more aircraft, it could not handle the Airbus A380. To make the dream a reality, the older Concourse D was slated for modification to address the extra-wide aircraft.

The airport is located 11 miles southeast of central Vienna and 35 miles west of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. 

• The air traffic control tower features a nightly laser show to welcome passengers even from their aircraft. 
• The FBOs at VIE are Vienna Aircraft Handling, Jet Aviation Vienna, and MAGNUM FBO. 
• Airport visitors can enjoy high-end fashion options such as Hugo Boss and Swarovski, and chocolate lovers will appreciate the Sprüngli store.