Innsbruck Airport

Innsbruck Airport, also known as Kranebitten Airport, is the largest international airport in Tyrol in western Austria. It is located approximately 2.5 miles from the centre of Innsbruck. The airport, which was opened in 1925, handles regional flights around the Alps, as well as seasonal international traffic to further European destinations. During the winter, activity increases significantly, due to the high number of skiers travelling to the region.FacilitiesThe terminal is a "shotgun" style, typically using air stairs to deboard/board passengers as no jetways are present. The airport can handle aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 767. In February 2017, it has been announced that the current passenger terminal, which was inaugurated for the 1964 Winter Olympics will be replaced with a new, larger facility which is planned to be constructed from 2019.Innsbruck Airport is well known for having a difficult approach due to surrounding terrain, prohibiting certain aircraft types from operating at the airport. The approach and descent is a very complicated process—the Alps create vicious winds and currents, which the pilot has to deal with throughout the process. Because there are mountains all around, the plane usually circles the airport, enters a pattern, to decrease both speed and altitude.Innsbruck Airport serves as the base of Welcome Air. Until its dissolvement on 31 March 2015, Tyrolean Airways had its home base at the airport as well. However, the newly established independent technical division Tyrolean Airways Luftfahrzeuge Technik GmbH remains here. Innsbruck also used to accommodate the head offices of Air Alps.