Bitburg

• Official Airport Website: www.flugplatz-bitburg.de
• Information Desk Phone: +49 6561 96 36 0
• Airport Address: Am Tower 16, 54634 Bitburg, Deutschland (Germany)
• Email: info@flugplatz-bitburg.de
• Airport Social Media: Official accounts are not maintained; current news and notifications are published on the main website.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no separate lost and found service, as the airport does not serve scheduled commercial flights. In case of lost items on the premises, please contact the administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support for all inquiries (including landing permits and handling) is provided via the main phone number or email.

Since Bitburg Airport (BBJ) is focused on private aviation and does not accept scheduled commercial flights, it is easiest to reach by car or taxi. The air harbour is located just 3 km from the city centre, so the journey will not take much time. If you plan to visit this place for skydiving or a private departure, here are the main ways to reach your destination.

By Car and Parking

The drive from the centre of Bitburg to the airport takes literally 5–10 minutes. The route usually runs via the B257 or B51, following signs for Gewerbegebiet Flugplatz (Airfield Industrial Park). Due to the fact that the airport is part of a large commercial zone, there are practically no parking problems here. Near the administrative buildings, restaurant, and hangars, there are generally enough free or inexpensive parking spaces for visitors.

Public Transport

There are no direct shuttles or express trains typical of large hubs here, but you can use the local transport network:

• Bus: Regional buses run to the airport area (stop Bitburg, Flugplatz or neighbouring stops in the industrial zone). This is a budget option; the ticket cost is only a few Euros. However, the frequency of trips may vary depending on the day of the week, so it is better to check the schedule in advance on the VRT transport union website.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Bitburg-Erdorf, located approximately 6-7 km from the airfield. Regional trains arrive here. From the station to the airport, you will have to travel by bus (with a transfer) or by taxi.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most convenient way to get to the runway, especially if you are carrying skydiving equipment or luggage. A taxi from the city centre will cost approximately 10–15 Euros. If you are travelling from the Erdorf railway station, the trip will cost about 15–20 Euros. It is better to order a car by phone or via local apps, as catching one on the street in the industrial zone can be difficult.

Nearest International Airports

Since Bitburg does not accept regular passenger liners, tourists usually fly to neighbouring large airports and then reach the city by ground transport. Here is a list of the nearest hubs accepting international flights:

• Luxembourg Airport (LUX) — the most convenient option, located just 43.5 km away. The drive by car will take about 40–50 minutes.
• Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) — located 50 km away and popular due to a large number of low-cost flights. The journey by car will take about 45 minutes.
• Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ) — located in France, approximately 110 km from Bitburg.
• Liège Airport (LGG) — located in Belgium, at a distance of 111 km.
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) — a major German hub 111 km away, offering a wide choice of international destinations.

For travellers arriving at these airports, it is recommended to rent a car directly at the arrival terminal, as this will provide freedom of movement around the scenic Eifel region and allow you to quickly reach Bitburg.

Since Bitburg Airport (BBJ) is focused on General Aviation and parachute sports, its structure differs radically from customary passenger aviation hubs. Here you will not find confusing mazes, gates, or long travelators. The entire complex is designed to ensure maximum speed and comfort for pilots and their guests.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

In fact, the airport has one main building acting as the General Aviation Terminal (GAT). This compact structure combines all necessary services:

• Administrative Block: Here are the flight control offices and the control tower.
• Crew Service Zone: A place for pilot briefings, fee payments, and flight documentation processing.
• Waiting Area: A small but cosy lounge for private flight passengers.

The infrastructure for skydiving deserves special mention. Next to the main building are the hangars and premises of the parachute centre, where registration for jumps, briefings, and equipment issuance take place.

Airport Map and Navigation

Navigation around the territory is extremely simple and intuitive. The main landmark for all arrivals is the control tower at the address Am Tower 16. The territory is not fenced with a complex security perimeter from the access road side, which allows you to drive by car almost to the very entrance of the building.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Bitburg lacks the classic separated departure and arrival zones typical of international airports. The process is organised as follows:

• Departure: Passengers pass through the lobby of the main building and exit directly onto the Apron to the waiting aircraft.
• Arrival: After landing, the aircraft taxis to the parking area in front of the building, and passengers walk to the terminal or head straight to their transport.

Features and Services

Despite its compactness, the terminal has its highlights. The main point of attraction is the local bistro-restaurant. It is positioned in such a way that its open terrace offers a panoramic view of the runway. This makes it a popular place not only for aviators but also for tourists wishing to watch aircraft take-offs and landings and parachutists landing over a cup of coffee.

Procedure Times

One of the main advantages of Bitburg is the absence of queues. You do not need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure.

• Check-in and Security: There is no formal ticket registration. Passengers on private flights need only arrive 15–20 minutes before the agreed departure time to meet the pilot and load luggage.
• Security Screening: Screening procedures are simplified and conducted individually, without the use of bulky scanners and frames, unless required by specific flight regulations.

Navigation Recommendations

If you are heading to the airport for the first time, follow your navigation system to the point Flugplatz Bitburg. Parking is located right in front of the building with the tower. If your goal is a parachute jump, look for signs for the skydiving centre (often marked with logos of local aeroclubs), which is located in a neighbouring block of buildings but within walking distance of the main entrance.

The history of Bitburg Airport (BBJ) is a fascinating tale of the transformation of a closed strategic facility into an open space for business and sport. What is today a cosy haven for private jets was once one of the key points on the map of European aviation.

Foundation and Military Era

The history of the air harbour began in the early 1950s. Amidst the changing geopolitical situation after World War II, a decision was made to build a new airbase in the Eifel region. The official opening of Bitburg Air Base took place in 1952. From that moment and for over forty years, the airfield served as the home for the 36th Fighter Wing.

In its heyday, the base was a veritable "city within a city". The most modern aircraft of the time were based here, including the famous F-15 Eagle fighters, which appeared in Bitburg in 1977. The pilots who served here were often called the "Eifel Eagles", and this nickname became legendary in aviation circles.

The Great Transformation

The turning point in the airport's destiny was 1994. With the end of the Cold War, the need for a large military presence disappeared, and on September 30, the airbase was officially closed and handed over to the German authorities. This event marked the beginning of a large-scale conversion — the process of transferring a military facility to peaceful tracks.

City and district authorities decided not just to preserve the infrastructure but to create a powerful economic centre on its basis. Thus appeared the "Gewerbepark Flugplatz Bitburg" — a commercial and industrial park where old barracks and hangars were converted into offices, warehouses, and entertainment centres. The runway remained operational, but now serves civil aviation.

Records and Achievements

Although Bitburg is considered a regional airport today, its infrastructure bears traces of its former scale. The main pride and a sort of record for the airfield is its runway. Its length is over 3000 metres (about 10,000 feet). For comparison: such a runway is capable of accepting almost any modern passenger liner or heavy transport aircraft, which is a great rarity for general aviation airfields.

Interesting Facts

Bitburg Airport has several curious features that distinguish it from others:

• Cinematic Career: Thanks to its huge territory and the absence of heavy scheduled traffic, the airport often becomes a filming location. Thrilling stunts and chases for the popular German series "Alarm für Cobra 11" were filmed here.
• Drag Racing Paradise: The long and high-quality strip attracts not only pilots. Periodically, part of the territory is used for drag racing competitions, where powerful cars compete in speed with planes.
• Royal Visit: In 1985, during his historic visit to Germany, US President Ronald Reagan landed at Bitburg Airfield. This event became one of the most significant pages in the city's political history.

Today, Bitburg Airport continues to develop as a centre for light aviation and tourism, preserving the memory of its past and offering unique opportunities for guests of the region.

The infrastructure of Bitburg Airport (BBJ) differs significantly from the customary giant aviation hubs. Here you will not find endless rows of Duty-Free shops or huge food courts. Since the airport serves general aviation (private flights, business jets, aeroclubs), service here is built on the principle of "nothing superfluous, only the essentials". The main emphasis is placed on speed of service and a personal approach.

Restaurants and Dining

The gastronomic heart of the airport is the local bistro-restaurant, located in close proximity to the apron and control tower. This establishment is popular not only with pilots but also with city residents.

• Atmosphere: A cosy place with a casual setting where you can have a snack before departure or relax after a parachute jump.
• Feature: The main "highlight" of the establishment is the open terrace. It is an ideal viewing platform where you can watch aircraft take-offs and landings while sipping coffee or German beverages (of course, if you are not a pilot).

There are no large chain cafes or fast-food restaurants within the terminal territory itself.

Shops

There is no Duty-Free zone in Bitburg. Retail infrastructure is minimal and may include a small counter with aviation-themed souvenirs or essential goods in the aeroclub building. For full shopping, it is recommended to go to the centre of Bitburg or to the shopping zones of the adjacent industrial park.

Lounges and VIP Service

The concept of private aviation turns the entire terminal into a kind of VIP lounge. There are no noisy general waiting areas with thousands of passengers here.

• Lounge Zone: In the GAT (General Aviation Terminal) building, there is a comfortable rest area with soft furniture where passengers and crews can relax while waiting for departure.
• Privacy: Due to low traffic, business jet passengers receive a maximum level of confidentiality and tranquillity without the need to buy separate passes to business lounges.

Communication and Technology

For business travellers and pilots who need to plan routes, access to modern communications is provided in the terminal:

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is usually available in the administrative building and restaurant area.
• Device Charging: Finding a socket to charge a laptop or phone in the waiting area will not be difficult.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points in the airport building itself. Since Germany is part of the Eurozone, tourists are advised to ensure they have cash Euros or use bank cards in advance. The nearest bank branches are located in the commercial zone around the airport or in the city centre (about 5-10 minutes' drive).

Medical Services and Safety

There is no specialised medical centre or pharmacy in the terminal. However, due to the active operation of the parachute club, staff at the airfield are trained in first aid rules. In emergencies, city rescue services arrive at the scene in a matter of minutes.

Passengers with Children

Separate mother-and-child rooms or playgrounds inside the building are not provided. Nevertheless, the territory is quite open and safe (provided rules for staying near the airfield are followed), and children generally find it very interesting to watch planes from the restaurant terrace.

Accessibility

Bitburg Airport is convenient for passengers with reduced mobility due to its compactness. Buildings are generally single-storey, eliminating the need for lifts or long transitions. Boarding access is directly from ground level, which significantly simplifies movement in a wheelchair. When booking a private flight, it is recommended to notify the operator in advance about the need for assistance when boarding.

Accommodation (Hotels)

There is no hotel directly in the terminal building, but thanks to the location in the "Alte Flugplatz" commercial and industrial zone, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby:

• Hotels within walking distance: In the area of the former airbase residential sector, hotels and hostels operate, catering to both business people and youth groups.
• Hotels in the city: In the centre of Bitburg (3 km), a wide selection of hotels is presented — from cosy family guesthouses to modern hotels with all amenities.

Business Services

For holding business meetings or briefings, rooms in the airport's administrative block can be used (upon prior request). If a large conference hall is required, it is easy to find one in the business centres located within the adjacent industrial park.

The culinary map of Bitburg Airport (BBJ) fully corresponds to its status as a cosy haven for private aviation. Here you will not find noisy food courts with chain fast food or expensive haute cuisine restaurants typical of giant international hubs. Dining here is organised on the principle of "one place, but with soul", creating a special club atmosphere.

Main Establishment: Bistro am Tower

The central and only place where you can have a full meal is the restaurant-bistro located in the administrative building, directly by the control tower. This establishment is in the public zone (landside), so it can be visited not only by pilots and passengers but also by those seeing them off, as well as tourists who have come to look at the planes.

What to Try: Local Cuisine and Specialties

The establishment's menu focuses on classic German home-style cooking (Gutbürgerliche Küche). These are hearty, straightforward, and tasty dishes. Here is what is worth noting:

• Wiener Schnitzel: A local classic, served with French fries or a house salad. This is the most popular choice for a substantial lunch.
• Currywurst: A traditional German sausage with curry sauce — an ideal option for a quick but filling snack.
• Bitburger Pils: It would be a missed opportunity to visit Bitburg and not try the famous local beer. The bistro always serves fresh Bitburger Premium Pils (naturally, provided you do not plan to take the helm or drive).
• Coffee and Cakes: In the afternoon, it is customary to order "Kaffee und Kuchen" here — a cup of strong coffee with a piece of fresh apple or plum cake.

Special Dietary Needs

Since the bistro kitchen is quite compact, the choice for people with strict dietary restrictions may be limited:

• Vegetarians: The menu usually includes large fresh salads, potato dishes, or pasta with vegetables.
• Vegans: Specialised vegan options may not be available. It is recommended to check the composition of side dishes or salads with the staff (dressings often may contain yoghurt or cream).
• Gluten-free and Halal food: A separate menu for these categories is not provided. Passengers with a strict diet are advised to bring food with them or limit themselves to drinks and fruit.

Prices and Payment

Pricing at Bitburg Airport differs pleasantly from large aviation hubs — there are no "airport markups" here. The cost of dishes is comparable to ordinary city cafes:

• Average bill for lunch (main course + drink): 12–18 Euros.
• Coffee and dessert: about 6–8 Euros.
• Both cash and major bank cards are accepted.

Opening Hours

The restaurant usually operates in alignment with daylight hours and flight activity. As a rule, doors are open from 10:00 to 19:00 (longer in summer, hours may be reduced in winter). It is important to consider that on Mondays, the establishment may be closed (Ruhetag) or operate on a reduced schedule. If you have a scheduled departure, food and drinks will be available, but for a full dinner, it is better to check the schedule in advance.

Recommendations for Passengers

If you need a quick snack before a short flight, order a sandwich or a couple of sausages at the bar counter — this will take no more than 10 minutes. For those who have time and want to arrange a full lunch, the best choice would be a table on the open terrace. The view of taking-off sports planes and landing parachutists turns an ordinary meal into an engaging spectacle.

If you arrive late in the evening or need a wider culinary choice, remember that the centre of Bitburg, with its Italian, Asian, and German restaurants, is just a 5-minute taxi ride away.

Travelling through Bitburg Airport (BBJ) differs radically from the experience of flying through large international hubs. There is no hustle, long queues, or rigid regulations typical of commercial aviation here. Since the airport serves private flights, business jets, and sports aviation, rules here are dictated by flexibility and an individual approach. Here are some useful tips to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 3 hours before departure". At Bitburg, time is your ally.

• For Private Flights: It is usually sufficient to arrive at the airport 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This time is enough to meet the pilot, load luggage, and pass necessary formalities.
• For Skydiving: If your goal is skydiving, follow your club's instructions. Typically, you are required to arrive 1 hour before the jump for registration, medical checks, and ground briefing.

Registration and Security

Procedures here are simplified, but security requirements remain strict.

• Documents: Always have your passport or identity card (ID card) with you. Even for flights within the Schengen zone, random checks by the police are possible.
• Screening: There are no metal detector frames or liquid scanners like in large terminals here. The pilot is personally responsible for safety on board and may ask to inspect your belongings. Be ready to show the contents of bags upon first request.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In small planes and business jets, there is no online check-in with seat selection.

• Balancing: Passenger seating is directed by the Pilot in Command (PIC). This is due to the need for correct weight distribution (centring) of the aircraft. Do not occupy seats without permission; always check with the pilot where it is best for you to sit.
• View: If you want to enjoy views of the Eifel region, ask for a window seat in advance, but remember that flight safety is always the priority.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

Luggage compartments of private planes (especially light ones like Cessna or Piper) have very limited volume and specific shapes.

• Type of Bags: It is strongly recommended to use soft travel bags or backpacks instead of rigid plastic suitcases. Soft luggage is easier to fit into a small luggage compartment.
• Restrictions: Agree on the weight and dimensions of luggage with the flight operator in advance. Excess weight of even a few kilograms can be critical for a small vessel.
• Prohibited Items: Rules for carrying dangerous substances (explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases) apply here just as strictly as in major aviation. Weapons (for example, hunting gear) require prior coordination and special documents.

Passengers with Connections

Bitburg Airport does not have transfer zones or agreements with major airlines.

• Planning Connections: If you arrive in Bitburg on a private plane to then fly a scheduled flight from Luxembourg Airport or Frankfurt-Hahn, allow sufficient time for ground transfer. Consider possible traffic jams (allow a minimum of 1.5–2 hours buffer between landing in Bitburg and check-in at the next airport).

Customs Nuances

Despite the fact that the airport seems "homely", it is a state border for flights outside Schengen.

• International Departures: If your flight is heading to a country outside the Schengen zone (for example, to the UK), customs and passport control must be ordered in advance (usually 24 hours prior). Ensure that your pilot or broker has settled this issue, otherwise departure will be impossible.

Saving Time and Money

• Taxi: Order a taxi for your arrival time in advance. There is no rank of free cars in the industrial zone, and waiting for a call-out can take 15–20 minutes.
• Dining: Prices in the local bistro are quite democratic. Lunch here will cost less than in restaurants at major airports or even in the centre of tourist cities. This is an excellent way to save money and eat well before the road.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Light aviation is highly weather-dependent. Fog, strong wind, or low cloud cover can cause departure rescheduling.

• Plan "B": Always have a backup option. If the weather is unflyable, you can reach the nearest major cities by rented car or train from Bitburg-Erdorf station.
• Waiting: In case of delay, do not sit in the plane. Go to the "Am Tower" bistro-restaurant. It is warm there, there is Wi-Fi and excellent coffee, which will allow you to wait out the bad weather comfortably or solve work issues.