Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG): Your Essential Gateway to Northern Germany and the Baltic Sea
Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG/ETNL) is a vital regional airport situated in Laage, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, serving as a primary air link for the entire northern German region and the popular Baltic Sea coast. Located approximately 20 km (12 miles) south of the historic city of Rostock, RLG is an indispensable hub for both scheduled leisure flights and essential logistics operations.
Unlike larger international hubs, RLG is highly valued for its flexibility and dual-use capabilities, operating as a civil aviation gateway while also hosting a major German Air Force (Luftwaffe) base. Following its privatization approval in 2021, with ownership transferred to the Zeitfracht Group, the airport has intensified its focus on specialized passenger services, including its crucial role in handling cruise ship traffic for the nearby port of Warnemünde.
Terminal Features and Comprehensive Passenger Services
Rostock-Laage Airport operates a single, efficient terminal designed to provide streamlined passenger processing while offering key modern amenities. The airport’s infrastructure is robust, featuring two jet bridges and having the capacity to handle large wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400, primarily utilized for high-demand charter flights.
Key services and amenities for travelers include:
- Connectivity: Free and reliable Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal building.
- Shopping & Dining: Passengers can enjoy refreshments and light meals at the on-site café/snack bar. Limited duty-free shopping options are available in the secured area.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with facilities and support services for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Nearby Accommodation: For overnight stays, well-known options like the Radisson Blu Hotel Rostock and Hotel Am Alten Strom are conveniently located within easy reach.
Focus on Cruise Ship Charters
A crucial feature of RLG is its specialized logistics for the cruise industry. The airport handles numerous charter flights, acting as the primary transfer point for passengers arriving for or departing from cruises docked at the nearby Warnemünde cruise port. This service includes optimized baggage handling and tailored check-in processes, enhancing the vacation experience for thousands of sea travelers annually.
Transportation & Parking Guide
Getting to and from Rostock-Laage Airport is straightforward, thanks to its strategic location and excellent transport links:
- Bus Connection: A frequent shuttle bus service connects the airport directly to Rostock’s main train station (Rostock Hauptbahnhof/Hbf). The journey typically takes about 25 minutes. A special “Flughafenticket” (Airport Ticket) is available, which often covers connecting local train and streetcar services within Rostock’s integrated fare region.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A 20-minute ride to Rostock city center usually costs between €30 and €35.
- Car Rental: International car rental providers, including Avis and Sixt, maintain offices at the airport, providing easy self-service travel solutions.
- Parking: The airport offers extensive paid parking facilities, with dedicated short-stay and long-stay options providing more than 1,000 parking spaces in total.
- Road Access: Excellent connectivity to the national motorway network is ensured by the proximity of the A19 (Rostock–Berlin) and A20 (Lübeck–Szczecin) motorways.
Airlines, Key Destinations, and Dual Operations
Rostock-Laage Airport is primarily characterized by strong seasonal leisure traffic and essential year-round connectivity, catering to both vacationers and business travelers.
Key Destinations and Carriers:
The route network focuses on sunny Mediterranean leisure destinations and a vital German hub connection:
- Corendon Airlines: Operates vital year-round services, notably to Antalya (AYT) on the Turkish Riviera.
- Lufthansa: Provides essential scheduled flights, often connecting Rostock to the major international hub of Frankfurt (FRA), thereby opening up global connectivity.
- Seasonal Flights: Popular seasonal destinations typically include Palma de Mallorca (PMI) in Spain, along with various charter routes depending on the travel season.
Strategic and Commercial Role:
RLG’s operational profile extends far beyond passenger transport, making it a critical asset for the region:
- Military Base: The facility shares its runway with the German Air Force’s Tactical Air Wing 73 “Steinhoff” (Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 73 “Steinhoff”), reinforcing its strategic national importance.
- Cargo and Logistics Hub: The airport serves as a significant air freight station, handling operations for major carriers like Lufthansa Cargo. Furthermore, it is integrated into the national logistics network, managing the entire overnight airmail transshipment for the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region for Deutsche Post.
Contact Information & Planning Your Trip
Rostock-Laage Airport is the perfect starting point for exploring the scenic attractions of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including the stunning sandy beaches of Warnemünde, the Hanseatic architecture of Rostock, and the renowned island of Rügen.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Flughafenstraße 1, D-18299 Laage, GERMANY |
| Phone | +49 38454 321310 |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | RLG / ETNL |
| Official Website | www.rostock-airport.de |