Dortmund Airport

Dortmund Airport (DTM) is a compact and welcoming aerial gateway to the very heart of the Ruhr area. Unlike massive transfer hubs, an atmosphere of calm and efficiency prevails here: all procedures are completed quickly, and walking distances within the terminal are minimal. This airport is the ideal choice for those who value their time and are planning a budget-friendly journey through western Germany.

Features and Advantages of Dortmund Airport:

The main advantage of this air harbour is its convenience and compact size. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, the walk from the entrance to the gate takes just a few minutes, which is especially important for passengers travelling with children or light luggage. The airport specialises in serving budget airlines (low-cost carriers), allowing tourists to find competitively priced tickets to many European destinations.

Excellent transport connections have been organised for the convenience of travellers: the special AirportExpress bus delivers passengers directly to Dortmund's main railway station. It is also worth noting the presence of an open terrace for visitors, offering an exciting view of the runway, which aviation enthusiasts will surely appreciate.

If you need to contact representatives of Dortmund Airport, please use the following official contact details. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially before your trip.

• Official Website: www.dortmund-airport.de — here you will find flight schedules, information about services, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +49 231 9213-01. Please note that international connection charges may apply when calling from outside Germany.
• Address: Flughafenring 2, 44319 Dortmund, Deutschland.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address service@dortmund-airport.de.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items, please contact the tracing service. Contact details and the application form can usually be found in the "Service" section of the airport's official website.
• Social Media: The airport is present on several social networks. Links to official accounts can be found on their website.

Getting to the airport of Dortmund or from there to the city centre is effortless thanks to a well-developed transport system. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient options.

Public Transport is the most economical method. The special AirportExpress bus runs directly from the terminal to Dortmund Central Station (Dortmund Hauptbahnhof). The journey takes about 25 minutes and is the fastest public transport route. Another option is the AirportShuttle, which will take you to the nearby Holzwickede railway station, from where you can take regional trains to other cities in Germany. There is also the city bus route No. 490, which connects the airport with the Aplerbeck district, where you can transfer to the U47 metro line.

Taxis and Transfers offer maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a family. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals area. The trip to the city centre will take approximately 20 minutes, though the cost will be significantly higher than public transport. Alternatively, consider a pre-booked private or group transfer, which is often more cost-effective and convenient.

For those who value independence, car rental is an excellent solution. Counters for all major international rental companies are located within the terminal building. Having a car will allow you to easily explore not only Dortmund but the entire Ruhr region. The airport offers several parking options: from premium covered parking directly at the terminal (P1) to more budget-friendly long-term car parks (P3, P4, P5, P6), from where you can walk to the terminal or take a shuttle. We advise booking a parking space online in advance, especially during peak season — this will help you save money.

It is worth noting that Dortmund is conveniently located, and other major air hubs are within an hour or an hour and a half's drive. If your flight arrives at or departs from another airport, you can easily reach them by train or bus. Among the nearest are Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), which are some of the largest in the region.

Dortmund Airport (DTM) is distinguished by its compactness and clear organisation, making it very convenient for travellers. In fact, there is only one passenger terminal here, divided into several levels for easy navigation. This structure eliminates the need for long walks or the use of shuttles between different buildings, as is common in major airports.

The terminal layout is simple and logical. The building has three main levels:

• Level 0 (Ground Floor): This is the Arrivals area. Passengers arrive here after disembarking from the aircraft. Located here are the baggage claim belts, car rental counters, and exits to taxis, buses, and car parks.
• Level 1 (First Floor): This is the main Departures level. Here you will find check-in counters for all airlines, luggage wrapping points, as well as the central security checkpoint. After passing through security, passengers enter the "clean" zone with shops, cafes, and boarding gates.
• Level 2 (Gallery/Second Floor): On this level, there is a restaurant, conference rooms, and, notably, an observation deck offering a view of the runway. It is a great place to spend time while waiting for a flight.

Since there is only one terminal, all zones — arrivals, departures, check-in, and waiting areas — are located in the same building. Movement between levels is facilitated by lifts, escalators, and stairs. Navigation is intuitive, with signs in German and English everywhere. Thanks to the airport's compactness, getting lost here is practically impossible.

Check-in and security procedures at Dortmund Airport usually take significantly less time than in large international hubs. However, queues can form during peak hours and on days with popular low-cost flights (Wizz Air, Ryanair). It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before flights within the Schengen area and 2-2.5 hours for international flights outside of it, to complete all formalities calmly.

The history of Dortmund Airport is a fascinating tale of transformation and growth, reflecting the development of aviation in Germany. Its origins date back to 1925, when the first airfield opened in the Dortmund-Brackel district. At that time, it was one of the country's important transport hubs, serving flights to major European cities, including Paris and Berlin. However, its operations were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, after which the airfield was used by the British Royal Air Force.

A new era for Dortmund's civil aviation began in 1960, when the airport was reopened at its current location in the Wickede district. Initially, it was modest and intended for small aircraft, as the runway was short. A key moment in its development was 1972, when the runway was extended, allowing it to accommodate modern jet liners. This event paved the way for charter flights to popular resorts, for example, in Spain.

The real breakthrough occurred at the turn of the century. In 2000, a new multi-level terminal was opened, replacing the old, more modest "Westfalenhalle" building. This large-scale reconstruction was strategically timed to coincide with the boom in budget air travel in Europe. Dortmund Airport quickly became an important base for low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Wizz Air, which defined its modern appearance and specialisation. Today, it is one of Germany's key regional airports, serving millions of passengers travelling primarily to European destinations.

Dortmund Airport (DTM) offers passengers a full range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. If you are hungry, there are several cafes, bistros, and restaurants at your service, where you can have a quick snack or a leisurely lunch. In the departure zone, Duty Free shops operate with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and souvenirs, as well as newsstands.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Numerous power outlets and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. If you are looking for peace and privacy, you can use the services of the Dortmund Airport Lounge, where snacks and beverages are offered in a calm atmosphere.

For travellers with children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables and comfortable chairs are available. To keep young passengers entertained, small play areas are provided. The airport is fully adapted to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: a barrier-free environment, special parking spaces, lifts and toilets, as well as the option to request an escort service from the check-in counter to the aircraft.

Practical issues can also be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of need, there is a medical point in the terminal for first aid. For business travellers, conference rooms are available for meetings. If you have an early flight or a long layover, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

At Dortmund Airport (DTM), passengers will find several convenient options for a snack or a full meal, although the selection may not be as extensive as in giant hubs. Establishments are concentrated both in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone.

Before security control (landside), on the Departures level (Level 1), you will usually find the main selection of establishments. Here you can find a classic German bakery where you should try fresh pastries, pretzels, and sandwiches. This is an excellent option for a quick and inexpensive snack. Also in this zone, there is typically a restaurant offering more substantial meals, where you can sit calmly before your flight. Prices here, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits.

After passing control (airside), the selection is usually more limited and geared towards those who want to take something on the plane. Here you will find cafes offering coffee, beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. This is the ideal place to pass the time while waiting for boarding. If you want to try something from the cuisine of Germany, pay attention to offers with local sausages (Bratwurst) or pastries – this is a simple way to get acquainted with the region's gastronomy.

For passengers with special dietary needs, for example, vegetarians, meat-free salads and sandwiches are available in most cafes. Finding strictly vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes may be more challenging, so it is better to have a small supply of food with you just in case. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Dortmund Airport (DTM) can be easy and pleasant if you prepare in advance. To avoid unnecessary stress, follow these simple tips that will make your time at the airport as comfortable as possible.

Arrival time at the airport. Dortmund Airport is relatively compact, which makes navigating it quite simple. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before the departure of international flights (including flights to Schengen countries). This time will be sufficient to pass check-in, baggage drop, and security control without rushing, especially during peak hours (early morning and weekends).

Check-in and security control. The fastest way to save time is online check-in for your flight, which almost all airlines offer. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, you can proceed directly to security control. Procedures here are standard for the European Union: be prepared to remove all electronics and containers with liquids (up to 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag) from your bag.

Seat selection on the plane. Many flights from Dortmund are operated by low-cost airlines, where choosing a specific seat is usually a paid service. If comfort is important to you, choose an aisle seat for more legroom or a window seat to enjoy the views. If you want to save money, the system will assign you a seat for free at check-in randomly.

Hand luggage. Carefully study your airline's hand luggage rules, especially regarding dimensions and weight. Budget carriers often strictly control these parameters. Besides standard restrictions on liquids, it is forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous goods. Portable chargers (power banks) are permitted in hand luggage only.

Passengers with transfers. Germany has many major transit hubs, but Dortmund Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a classic hub for transfers. If you have a self-transfer, you will most likely have to exit the transit zone, collect your luggage, check in again for the next flight, and pass security control once more. Allow at least 3-4 hours for this.

Customs control. When arriving from countries outside the EU, you will need to pass customs control. Use the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are carrying something exceeding established limits. For passengers arriving from EU countries, formal customs control is usually absent.

Saving time and money. To save money, book your transfer from/to the airport in advance (for example, the AirportExpress to Dortmund Central Station will cost less than a taxi). Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control. You can also take non-liquid snacks with you to avoid spending on food at the airport.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, follow the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Contact a representative of the carrier for clarification. Remember your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004: for long delays, the airline is obliged to provide food and drinks, and for cancellations or very long delays — hotel accommodation. The airport has cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time.