Vienna International Airport (VIE/LOWW): Austria’s Premier Global Gateway
Vienna International Airport, known by its official codes VIE (IATA) and LOWW (ICAO), is the largest and busiest airport in Austria, strategically positioned as a vital hub connecting Western, Central, and Eastern Europe. Located in Schwechat, just 18 km southeast of Vienna’s city center, VIE is the primary base and main global hub for Austrian Airlines and a key gateway for the Lufthansa Group.
Having completely recovered from previous global disruptions, VIE set a new all-time high in 2024 by serving over 31.72 million passengers, surpassing its pre-crisis record. With projections for continued growth, Vienna Airport is expecting to handle approximately 32 million travellers in 2025, cementing its status as a crucial European aviation center.
Enhanced Facilities, Terminals, and Passenger Experience
Vienna Airport operates four terminals (Terminals 1, 1A, 2, and 3) within a single operational structure, ensuring smooth transfers and convenient access to services. Terminal 3 is the most modern facility, predominantly serving Star Alliance carriers, while the entire complex is undergoing continuous optimization to enhance capacity and passenger comfort.
Major Infrastructure Development: T3 Southern Expansion
To accommodate future growth, Vienna Airport is undertaking a major Terminal 3 Southern Expansion project. This significant investment, budgeted for approximately €300 million, will add a new, centralized core area featuring:
- 70,000 m² of expanded leisure and waiting zones.
- 10,000 m² dedicated to new, premium shopping and dining experiences.
- Modernized, centralized security checkpoints and passport control areas.
- Expected completion is set for 2027, promising a world-class passenger journey.
Premium Lounges and Services
Passengers at VIE can elevate their travel experience through a range of premium services and lounges:
| Lounge Name | Terminal | Key Features & Access |
| VIENNA Lounge | Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen/Schengen) | Premium comfort, featuring an outdoor terrace with airfield views, relaxation zones, showers, and a dedicated family area. Available to all passengers for a walk-in fee (approx. EUR 57). |
| SKY Lounge | Terminal 3 (Non-Schengen/Schengen) | Primarily used by various airlines and membership programs (including Priority Pass). Offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, premium dining options, and comfortable seating. Available to all passengers for a walk-in fee (approx. EUR 46). |
| Austrian Airlines Lounges | Terminal 3 (Level 2) | Dedicated Business, Senator, and HON Circle Lounges for Lufthansa Group’s most frequent and premium travellers, featuring sophisticated design and Austrian cuisine. |
Other essential traveler services include:
- FastTrack: Expedited access through security checkpoints.
- Premium Services: A personalized attendant service for meet & greet, ensuring seamless airport processes from check-in to the gate.
- Free Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is available throughout the terminals.
Seamless Transportation: Getting to and from VIE Airport
Vienna Airport is exceptionally well-connected to the city center and surrounding international destinations, offering multiple efficient travel options:
| Service | Destination | Travel Time | Frequency |
| City Airport Train (CAT) | Wien Mitte (City Center) | 16 minutes (Non-stop) | Every 30 minutes |
| S-Bahn (S7 Local Train) | Wien Mitte, Wien Praterstern | Approx. 25 minutes | Every 30 minutes |
| ÖBB Railjet | Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) & other major Austrian cities | Approx. 15 minutes (to Hauptbahnhof) | Regular service |
| Vienna Airport Lines (Bus) | Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof | Approx. 20–40 minutes | 24-hour service |
| Taxi & Limousine | City center | Approx. 20–30 minutes | Available at the exits of all terminals. |
Parking: The airport offers extensive short-term and long-term parking, including the convenient Easy Parking service and the specialized Easy Park & Charge option for electric vehicles, which includes a charging service while you travel.
Extensive Airlines and Global Destinations
VIE serves as a crucial strategic point, offering flights to over 217 destinations worldwide, with particularly robust connections to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Leading Airline: Austrian Airlines maintains the largest market share (approx. 46%), utilizing VIE as its core hub for its global network.
- Key Carriers: Major international airlines operating from VIE include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Emirates, and major budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
- Top Markets (2024): The most popular passenger markets include Germany, Spain, and Italy, reflecting strong European leisure and business demand. The airport continues to expand its long-haul portfolio with new carriers and routes, reinforcing its role as a leading Central European air travel center.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries or official information regarding your travel:
- Address: Flughafen Wien Aktiengesellschaft, A-1300 Wien Flughafen, Postfach 1, AUSTRIA
- Phone: +43 (0)1 70070
- Official Website: www.viennaairport.at (Always check the official website for real-time flight information and service updates.)