Although its new Skylink extension is not scheduled to open until 2009, Vienna airport is confident it can cope when Euro 2008 kicks off next summer. Mike Toynbee reports As might be expected in a country like Austria, Vienna International Airport is a model of efficiency. Ranked by the Association of European Airlines as the best in Europe in terms of flight punctuality, it is a record that has enhanced its reputation among both its airline users and passengers. And with minimum connecting times of between 25 and 30 minutes, it is becoming an increasingly important hub for east-west flights within Europe. Last year saw passenger numbers rise to just under 17 million, representing a 6.3% increase over the previous year – well above the average among rival gateways. Already this year, 10 airlines have added Vienna to their schedules, up on last year’s total of 64, serving 176 destinations. SkyEurope, for example, is now offering flights from the Austrian capital to 16 points, including Nice, Venice, Florence, Bucharest, Sofia, Athens, Thessaloniki, Larnaca, Zadar, Dubrovnik and Split. Korean Air launched a three-times-a-week service linking Vienna with Seoul, while Air Transat introduced non-stop flights to Montreal, continuing to Toronto. And Estonian Air's four weekly flights on the Tallinn route further expanded Vienna airport's East European reach, providing links to a total of 45 destinations throughout the region. Significantly, transfers account for one-third of the airport's passengers, with the lion's share of the total traffic (57%) handled by the Austrian Airlines Group. Other new carriers this year include Air One to Italy, Click Air serving Barcelona, Delta Air Lines to the US and Saudi Arabian Airlines to the Middle East. And easyJet next month introduces a daily service to London Luton. To keep pace with rising demand, Vienna airport is currently building an extension to Terminal 2. Not that the existing facilities will have any difficulty in coping with the influx of football fans attending next summer's Euro 2008 tournament. "It will be busy but we do not anticipate any major problems," says a spokesperson. The Skylink extension, which is scheduled to open in 2009, will create a spacious central focal point between the existing buildings and the new pier, giving access to the rail links, the multi-storey car parks and the growing 'Airport City'. With everything still under one roof, the airport should lose none of the convenience for which it has become noted The new 150,000m2 sickle-shaped building features glass facades, which will provide views from all levels, enabling travellers to get their bearings more easily. “The concept and design of the Skylink terminal will set an international benchmark for comfort and diversity,” says the spokesperson, adding that “the retail and gastronomy concept planned is designed to reflect a high level that includes ‘Austria's best’ as well as a wide range of international designer and luxury products and services.” It will increase the airport's current annualpassenger handling capability from 16.9 million to 25 million, which is the anticipated rise in demand over the next eight years. "This extension will reduce congestion, increase service quality and save time for passengers due to improved traffic flows," claims the airport. The total cost of the project represents an investment of €845 million, and also involves the upgrading of the current airport railway station, the construction of two multi-storey car parks and an air traffic control tower, as well as a new baggage handling system. All of which should ensure that Vienna International Airport remains at the top of its game. At-a-glance guide Location: 16km (10 miles) from the city centre
Transport links: journey time on the City Airport Train (CAT) is 16 minutes, with a single fare of €9; local train 20-25 minutes/€3; OBB bus 20 minutes/€6; taxi 10-15 minutes/€40
Annual passenger throughput: 16.9 million
Minimum connecting time: 25 minutes for those travelling with Austrian Airlines and other members of the Star Alliance; 30 minutes with other airlines
Executive lounges: Visa Gold Austria, Diners Club, Austrian Airlines Business and Senator lounges, KLM, Jet (various airlines) and Air
Facilities: Wi-fi access areas in arrivals and departures lounges; VIP and Business Centre, meeting and conference rooms; more than 70 shopping outlets in departures area; newsagent; self-service and full-service restaurants, bars and cafes; medical centre and pharmacy
Banks/cashpoints: several banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available 24 hours
Airport hotels: NH Hotel (opposite arrivals hall); Hotel Hein, 3km from airport; Eurohotel
Car rental desks: ARAC/ Europcar, ATL Mietwagen, Budget, Denzeldrive, Hertz, Sixt
Website: www.viennaairport.com
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