Skellefteå Airport

Skellefteå Airport (SFT/ESNS): Northern Sweden’s Pioneer in Fossil-Free Aviation and Green Tech Connectivity

Skellefteå Airport is rapidly solidifying its position as a vital gateway to the booming Västerbotten region, serving the city of Skellefteå and the surrounding industrial landscape. As one of Sweden’s most ambitious and future-oriented airports, SFT is a crucial hub for the region’s green technology boom, most notably supporting the massive Northvolt Ett battery gigafactory. The airport is globally recognized for its pioneering efforts in sustainability, striving to be the world’s first truly fossil-free airport and setting the benchmark for environmentally responsible air travel.

General Information and Strategic Importance

Skellefteå Airport (IATA: SFT, ICAO: ESNS) is a key regional transport player, strategically owned and operated by the Skellefteå Municipality. Its primary role is to ensure vital connectivity for both business and leisure travel, fueling the region’s remarkable economic expansion.

• Location: Approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) southeast of the Skellefteå city centre.
• Coordinates: 64° 37′ 29” N, 21° 4′ 37” E.
• Economic Driver: The airport is indispensable for the influx of talent, consultants, and business partners linked to the Northvolt project and other major industrial developments in the region, providing swift access to this high-growth area.
• Passenger Traffic: Reflecting the explosive regional growth, SFT continues to report strong passenger numbers (reported around 337,380 for 2024), confirming its status as a high-growth hub in Northern Sweden.

Sustainable Innovation: The World’s First Fossil-Free Airport

SFT has achieved a monumental milestone by committing to a 100% fossil-free operation for its heating, electricity, and vehicle fleet. This holistic commitment drives its leadership in environmentally responsible air travel.

• Fossil-Free Operations: Zero fossil CO2 emissions achieved through:
  • Heating powered by biofuel.
  • Electricity sourced entirely from certified green energy.
  • Vehicle fleet utilizing HVO-100 biofuel and electricity.
• Pioneering Electric Aviation: The airport is actively collaborating with partners like Skellefteå Kraft and Northvolt to develop the future of flight, including:
  • Installation of Sweden’s most powerful charging infrastructure for electric aircraft (e-Aviation).
  • Development of a test route and infrastructure for eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and drone logistics, including a planned Droneport as part of the ELIS program and a partnership with Urban-Air Port.
  • Increased availability and use of Biojet (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – SAF) to replace fossil jet fuel.

Airlines and Expanding Destinations

Skellefteå Airport offers a robust network of scheduled and seasonal flights, crucial for linking Northern Sweden to key domestic and international hubs.

• Key International Link: The regular service to Gdańsk provides essential connections to Poland and wider Central/Eastern Europe.

Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services

SFT operates a single, modern, and easily navigable terminal, focusing on efficiency and quality service for all travelers.

• Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi (SFTPUBLIC) is available throughout the terminal.
• Food & Beverage: The airport features a Restaurant serving hot meals and the Street Shop (kiosk/cafe) offering snacks, coffee, and local goods, catering to all scheduled departures.
• Business & Special Services:
  • Conference Facilities: Two dedicated conference rooms are available for rent, providing a unique meeting location for business travelers.
  • Wedding & VIP Service: A special service is offered for wedding or partnership ceremonies, often utilizing the airport’s VIP room for a unique experience.
• Essential Amenities: Cash machine (ATM) services dispense Swedish Krona (SEK), Euros, US Dollars, and Polish Zlotys. Full disabled access is provided across all terminal facilities.
• Note: The airport does not offer luggage storage or lockers.

Ground Transportation and Optimized Parking Solutions

The airport is conveniently located and offers flexible and affordable options for transfer to and from Skellefteå city center.

• Airport Bus (Flygbuss): The most cost-effective option, taking approximately 20 minutes to the city center. Services are coordinated with flight schedules.
• Taxi Services: A 15-minute, direct ride with several local providers.
• Car Rental: A wide selection of international and local agencies is available directly at the terminal: Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Thrifty, MABI, and Ace.
• Parking Solutions (A Traveler Favorite):
  • Free Long-Term Parking: SFT uniquely offers a large, dedicated area for free long-term parking for all passengers, regardless of trip duration.
  • Paid Long-Term/Premium: Located closest to the terminal, this option includes essential winter services:
    • Access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
    • Engine heater plugs for cold-weather protection.
  • Payment: Parking fees can be paid via on-site machine or conveniently online within 48 hours of exit.

Contact Information and Official Channels

For current flight schedules, operational updates, and specific inquiries, please contact the official channels:

• Address: S-931 92 Skellefteå, Sweden.
• Phone (General & Lost Property): +46 910-576 00.
• Official Website: skellefteaairport.se/en/