Mariehamn Airport

Mariehamn Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a welcoming air gateway into the very heart of the Åland archipelago. Here, amidst thousands of islands, your acquaintance with the unique nature and tranquil rhythm of the region begins even before you leave the terminal. The airport combines Finnish functionality with specific island charm, offering travelers a maximally comfortable and stress-free start to their journey. Thanks to its compact size, it allows you to forget about long queues and tiring transfers, making the flight an easy part of your adventure.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Mariehamn Airport is unique due to the special status of the Åland Islands. Since the archipelago lies outside the EU tax union, the airport is a Tax-Free shopping zone. This means that even passengers on domestic flights (for example, from Helsinki) can purchase perfumery, cosmetics, and beverages at reduced prices in the Duty Free shop located in the departure hall. This is a rare privilege for European domestic flights that is definitely worth utilizing.

Another undeniable advantage is the exceptional speed of service. The journey from the parking lot to the boarding gate takes mere minutes here. Check-in and security screening proceed quickly and without fuss, allowing you to arrive at the airport just an hour before departure. For car owners, free parking is provided right in front of the terminal, making the trip by car maximally convenient and economical.

Below you will find contact information for Mariehamn (MHQ) Airport in Finland, which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official Website: www.finavia.fi/en/airports/mariehamn
• Information Desk Phone: +358 20 708 7211 (airport information desk)
• Address: Flygplatsvägen 1, AX-22120 Jomala, Åland, Finland
• Email: For most inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: News and updates can be followed on the official pages of the airport operator Finavia on popular social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost on board the aircraft, please contact your airline directly. For items left within the airport terminal, please contact the information service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can contact the information desk by phone or speak to staff at the information counter in the terminal building.

Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) is located very conveniently — just 3 kilometers northwest of the city center of Mariehamn. Such proximity makes the journey to the terminal quick and simple. There are several ways to reach the main air gateway of the Åland Islands, which belong to Finland.

Taxi or pre-booked transfer is the fastest and most comfortable option. A trip from the city center will take no more than 5–10 minutes. Given the short distance, the cost of the trip will be moderate, but it is always better to clarify the approximate price with the driver in advance. Taxis can be found at stands in the city or called by phone. For greater convenience, especially if you are traveling with family or large luggage, you can book a private transfer.

Public transport options for traveling to the airport are limited. There are no specialized express buses to the terminal, and city bus routes may pass at some distance from it, which is not always convenient for travelers with luggage. It is worth checking the schedule on the website of the local company Ålandstrafiken. It is important to know that on the Åland Islands, there are no railways or metro systems.

Car rental is an excellent solution for those who want not only to get to the airport but also to move freely around the picturesque islands. Several rental companies operate in the city, and you can easily pick up a car in one place and return it right at the airport before departure. The road to the terminal by car is simple and intuitive.

For travelers traveling light in warm weather, there is an unusual and pleasant way — to get to the airport on foot or by bicycle. A walk of 3 kilometers will take about 30–40 minutes and will allow you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the islands once more. A bicycle trip will be even faster, as Åland is famous for its convenient bicycle paths.

For those arriving by private or rented car, convenient parking is provided at the terminal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. For current information on tariffs and the parking map, it is recommended to consult the official website of Mariehamn Airport.

Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) is a small and very convenient airport, which is its main advantage for travelers. Its structure is extremely simple and does not require complex navigation, allowing you to avoid the stress typical of large aviation hubs.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both domestic and international (mainly within the Schengen zone). This compact building combines all necessary zones: departures and arrivals, check-in, and baggage claim. Thanks to this, moving through the airport takes mere minutes, and there are no transfers between terminals, shuttles, or long corridors.

The terminal layout is intuitively understandable. Upon entry, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, you proceed to the single security checkpoint. Immediately behind it lies a small but comfortable departure area with boarding gates. The arrival area is equally compact: after exiting the aircraft, passengers walk to the terminal, where the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city are located.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Mariehamn Airport takes a minimum amount of time. Due to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are usually non-existent or very short. In most cases, arriving at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure is more than sufficient. Getting lost here is practically impossible, as all signs are clearly visible, and staff are always ready to help.

Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) has a rich and significant history, as it is one of the first airports built in Finland. Its official opening took place in 1937. This step was critically important for the Åland Islands, as it provided fast and reliable year-round connection with mainland Finland and Sweden for the first time, marking the beginning of the development of tourism and business ties.

Initially, the airport infrastructure was modest and included a simple wooden terminal and a dirt runway. A key stage of development was the construction of a new terminal, which was completed in 1967. This significantly increased comfort for passengers and increased capacity. In subsequent years, the airport underwent several important modernizations, including paving and extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

Throughout its history, the airport has not been a witness to loud world events, but its importance to the local community is hard to overestimate. It has become a vital artery connecting the isolated archipelago with the outside world, especially during the winter months when sea communication is difficult. The airport played a key role in the economic growth of the region, facilitating tourism development and easing business operations.

Among interesting facts, it can be noted that despite its compact size, Mariehamn Airport effectively handles the role of the main air gateway for an entire autonomous region. Its operation is an example of how a small airport can have huge strategic importance, ensuring the stability and development of a unique island territory. Today, it continues to remain an important transport hub, serving both scheduled and charter flights.

The Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) serves as the gateway to the picturesque Åland Islands, part of Finland. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey. A calm and friendly atmosphere reigns here, distinguishing it favorably from large and bustling aviation hubs.

In the terminal building, there is a cozy café where you can have a snack before departure, drink a cup of coffee, or purchase light refreshments. Although the selection of establishments is small, you can spend time pleasantly here while waiting for your flight. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs and essential items.

For the convenience of travelers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. The waiting hall has outlets for charging electronic devices. There are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport, but the general waiting area is comfortable and spacious enough for all passengers.

Passengers traveling with children have access to mother and child rooms with changing tables. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance of the need for special assistance to ensure maximum comfort.

There are no bank branches or currency exchange points within the airport territory, but there is an ATM for cash withdrawals. Major financial transactions are best completed in the city beforehand. In case of necessity, passengers can seek first aid assistance.

There are no hotels directly at the airport, but in Mariehamn itself, located a few minutes' drive away, there are many accommodation options — from cozy guest houses to comfortable hotels. For business travelers, the airport provides a small meeting room that can be booked in advance. This is a convenient option for holding meetings immediately upon arrival or before departure.

Mariehamn Airport (MHQ), being a compact and cozy regional airport, offers passengers simple and convenient options for a snack or a full lunch. All dining services are concentrated in one main establishment located in the main terminal.

In the public area of the airport (before security control, landside), a café-restaurant operates, serving both departing and arriving passengers, as well as those meeting them. This is a convenient place to drink coffee, have a snack before a flight, or wait for your flight in a comfortable setting.

For those wishing to try something local, it is highly recommended to pay attention to the Åland pancake (Ålandspannkaka). This is a traditional dish made from semolina or rice porridge, baked in the oven, which is usually served with plum jam and whipped cream. It is an excellent option for a filling dessert or a light lunch. Additionally, the menu often features sandwiches with fresh pastries and local fillings, for example, with cheese or fish.

The establishment's menu mainly includes classic café dishes:

• For a quick snack: fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, yogurts.
• For a full lunch: a "dish of the day" or other hot European dishes are usually offered.
• Beverages: coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, and other beverages.

Passengers with special dietary needs should note that the selection may be limited. Simple vegetarian options are generally available, but for gluten-free, vegan, or Halal requirements, it is best to verify information regarding ingredients with the café staff in advance. Prices correspond to the average level for Scandinavian airports. The café's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it is open when there are passengers at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. It is a small and convenient airport where all procedures usually pass without unnecessary fuss, but preparation is never amiss.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Mariehamn Airport is small, so arriving 3-4 hours before departure is not required. For domestic and Schengen flights, arriving 1–1.5 hours before departure is sufficient. If you are flying outside the Schengen zone, allow about 2 hours. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and, if traveling light, proceed directly to security control.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. There is only one security checkpoint here, and queues are rare. Standard security rules apply here too: all liquids (perfumes, gels, creams) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from the bag into a separate tray. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Savings. With online check-in, you will have a better chance of choosing a comfortable seat. If you want to admire views of the archipelago, choose a window seat. If you need extra legroom, look for seats by the emergency exits (often for an additional fee). To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security, and also grab a light snack, as the choice of food in a small airport may be limited.

Transfer Passengers and Flight Delays. Transit flights through Mariehamn are rare. If you do have a connection, check if you need to collect your luggage. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Since the airport is in Finland, flights are covered by EU rules (Regulation 261/2004), which protect passenger rights and provide for compensation, as well as the provision of drinks, meals, or a hotel depending on the length of the wait.

Customs Control. An important nuance: although the Åland Islands are part of Finland and the EU, they are outside the EU tax union. This allows for duty-free trade on ferries and at the airport. Therefore, when flying to other EU countries or arriving from them, selective customs control is possible regarding the exceeding of import limits for duty-free goods and tobacco products.