Since its humble beginnings 70 years ago, Vienna Airport has developed into an indispensable hub that has a significant impact not only on Austria, but also on the entire eastern region. Originally founded as a military airfield for the German Air Force in 1938, the site was taken over by the British after the Second World War and later converted into a civilian airport. Today, Vienna-Schwechat Airport is one of the leading aviation centers in Europe, with around 30 million passengers per year and more than 23.000 employees at the location.
The development of the airport from its beginnings with just 64.000 passengers in 1954 to today's peak numbers of up to 110.000 passengers on individual days is impressive. This enormous increase not only reflects the changes in air traffic, but also the economic and social development of Austria and the surrounding regions.
On the occasion of Vienna-Schwechat Airport's 70th birthday, a large number of prominent personalities gathered, including political representatives such as Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Mayor Michael Ludwig as well as high-ranking guests from business and tourism. They all acknowledged the importance of the airport as an engine for the economy and as a gateway to the world.
What is particularly impressive is the continuous modernization and expansion of the airport, which meets increasing requirements. Investments in infrastructure projects such as the southern terminal expansion and a new hotel show the commitment to equip the airport for future growth.
In addition to its role as an important transport hub, Vienna Airport also stands out for its ecological efforts. It is one of the first European airports to operate its operations in a CO2-neutral manner, thereby setting standards for sustainable aviation. The diversity of the companies based at the location and the constantly increasing number of employees underline the importance of the airport as a major employer in the region. Over 22.000 people find employment in more than 250 companies at the airport location.
With its history, its development and its current importance for the region, Vienna-Schwechat Airport is not only a symbol of progress in aviation, but also of the economic and social boom in Austria and its neighboring countries.