Zielona Góra Babimost Airport (IEG) Guide: Flights, Connectivity, and Modernization
Zielona Góra Airport, also known as Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport (IEG/EPZG), is the principal regional air hub serving the Lubusz Voivodeship in western Poland. Strategically positioned near key European transport routes, the airport serves as a vital gateway for the region, connecting it with Poland’s capital and offering convenient access to the west.
This guide provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on the airport’s operations, connectivity, and traveler services.
Overview and Key Information
Zielona Góra Airport is operated by the state-owned Przedsiębiorstwo Państwowe “Porty Lotnicze” (PPL), which also manages Warsaw Chopin Airport, ensuring high operational standards.
- Airport Codes: IEG (IATA) / EPZG (ICAO)
- Location: Situated in Nowe Kramsko, the airport is approximately 35 km (22 miles) northeast of Zielona Góra city center and 10 km from Sulechów.
- Catchment Area: The airport primarily serves the three million residents of Lubusz Land (Ziemia Lubuska) and the western part of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska).
- Infrastructure: IEG boasts a single, robust 2,500-meter (8,202 ft) concrete runway (06/24). It is equipped with an ILS system, allowing aircraft acceptance even in adverse weather conditions. The airport’s apron capacity allows parking for up to 10 mid-sized aircraft (such as Boeing 737s or Airbus A321s).
- Passenger Traffic: While a smaller hub, IEG continues to grow. It is typically Poland’s 14th busiest airport. Official statistics show it handled 41,443 passengers in 2022, a significant increase that highlights its importance to regional connectivity.
Airlines and Destinations
As a regional gateway, Zielona Góra maintains a focused route network essential for business and leisure travel.
- Primary Carrier: LOT Polish Airlines (LO) is the main operator, offering year-round scheduled services.
- Sole Scheduled Destination: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). This route is critical for connecting Lubusz Voivodeship to the national and global flight network. Flights typically operate up to 5 days a week, with a flight time of approximately one hour.
- Seasonal & Charter Routes (Enrichment): The airport also caters to seasonal demand, primarily offering charter flights to popular holiday destinations. In recent years, seasonal charter flights, such as to Antalya (AYT), have been available, often operated by carriers like Pegasus Airlines.
- Global Connectivity: Through the Warsaw (WAW) hub, passengers departing from IEG can access numerous international destinations with a single stop, including major European cities like Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Munich (MUC), London (LHR), and others.
Terminal Modernization and Facilities
Zielona Góra Airport is continually investing in its infrastructure to enhance the passenger experience.
- Crucial Update: Terminal Modernization: Please note that due to an ongoing investment project to modernize the departure terminal, passenger traffic has been temporarily relocated to the existing arrivals terminal, starting from November 2024. Travelers should check the official airport website for the latest changes regarding check-in and security procedures.
- Available Services: The airport offers all essential services for a comfortable journey, including:
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
- A café and snack bar.
- Car rental desks (e.g., Hertz).
- Full facilities and assistance for disabled passengers.
- Currency exchange, with all transactions primarily conducted in Polish Złoty (PLN).
- Historical Note (Enrichment): The airport has a rich military history, and a notable reminder of this past is the display of a MiG-15 aircraft located near the terminal building.
Transportation and Access
The airport’s location offers excellent road and bus connections to Zielona Góra and the wider region.
- Road Network: IEG benefits from its proximity to major highways. It is easily accessible via the S3 expressway and is near the junction with the A2 motorway (Berlin-Warsaw), facilitating quick travel to major Polish and German cities.
- Shuttle Bus Service (PKS): A reliable special bus service connects the airport terminal to the Zielona Góra PKS station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes, and the schedule is always synchronized with the arrival and departure times of scheduled flights.
- Taxi and Car Rental: Taxi services are readily available. A ride to the city center typically takes about 30 minutes. On-site car rental agencies (such as Avis and Budget) provide convenient options for self-driving travelers.
- Parking: The airport offers an adjacent car park. A free drop-off period of 10 minutes is generally provided. Daily parking fees are competitive, with payment options including the APCOA Flow application.
- Rail: The nearest train station is located in the town of Babimost. Due to ongoing railway modernization in the region, bus transfers often serve as the most efficient connection option.
Practical Travel Information and Alternative Hubs
- Booking Advice: Given the limited number of scheduled flights, especially during certain seasons, passengers are strongly advised to book their tickets well in advance, particularly when using LOT Polish Airlines.
- Visa Information (Non-Schengen Travelers): Poland is part of the Schengen Area. Travelers from non-Schengen countries must ensure they hold a valid Schengen visa to enter the country.
- Nearest Major Airports: Travelers may also consider nearby international airports for alternative routes:
- Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport (POZ): Approx. 95 km (59 miles) East.
- Wrocław–Copernicus Airport (WRO): Approx. 137 km (85 miles).
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Approx. 158 km (98 miles).
Contact Details
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please use the official contact channels:
Address: ul. Szkolna 23, 66-111 Nowe Kramsko, POLAND
Telephone: +48 68 351 10 00
Official Website: www.lotnisko-zielonagora.pl