Neustadt-Glewe Airfield

Since Neustadt-Glewe Airfield (QGW/EDAN) is a general aviation facility used primarily for sports and private flights, there are no 24-hour services typical of major international hubs. The main contact details refer to the airfield administration and the flying clubs based here.

• Official Website: www.edan-info.de (information for pilots and guests) or the section on the city portal www.neustadt-glewe.de.
• Airfield Address: Flugplatz 1, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe, Germany (the address Flugplatzallee 1 is also frequently used).
• Administration Phone (Flugleitung): +49 38757 55738 (operational questions, opening hours).
• Office Phone / Information: +49 38757 30360 (general enquiries).
• Email: info@edan-info.de (for enquiries to the administration and Luftsportverein Neustadt-Glewe e.V.).
• Social Media: Current news and event announcements (such as air shows or festivals) are often published on the "Luftsportverein Neustadt-Glewe" pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: There is no centralised baggage tracing service. In case of lost items on the premises, please contact the airfield administration directly at +49 38757 55738.
• Passenger Support: Personal support is provided by flying club staff on-site. For booking parachute jumps or introductory flights, it is recommended to contact the specific club directly (e.g., FSC Mecklenburg).

As Neustadt-Glewe Airfield is a facility for small and sports aviation, there are no scheduled shuttle buses or express trains typical of large international hubs. Most visitors — skydivers, pilots, and festival guests — arrive here by private transport or combine a train journey with a short transfer. Logistics here are simple and pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the views of the German countryside.

By Car and Parking

A car is the most convenient way to reach the airfield. The site is located in immediate proximity to the A24 motorway (Hamburg — Berlin), making it easily accessible from both metropolises. You need to take the "Neustadt-Glewe" exit and follow signs for Flugplatz. The drive from Neustadt-Glewe city centre takes just 5–7 minutes (distance is about 2–3 km).

Unlike major airports, there are no complex multi-level car parks with high tariffs here. A spacious surface car park is provided for guests and flying club members. Typically, parking is free or costs a nominal amount during major events such as the Airbeat One festival. There is usually ample space even on weekends.

Public Transport: Train and Bus

There is no direct bus service to the airfield terminal, but the German railway network allows you to get very close:

• Train: The nearest railway station is Bahnhof Neustadt-Glewe. Regional trains (RB) from major hubs stop here. From the station to the airfield is about 2.5 km. This distance can be covered on foot (approximately a 30-minute walk) or by bicycle.
• Via Ludwigslust: A larger transport hub is the city of Ludwigslust, where high-speed ICE trains (Hamburg-Berlin line) stop. From there, you can transfer to a regional train to Neustadt-Glewe (journey time about 10 minutes) or take a taxi directly to the airfield.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is the optimal option for those arriving by train with heavy luggage or skydiving equipment. It is better to book a car in advance by phone, as they are not always waiting at the station. A trip from Neustadt-Glewe station will cost approximately 10–15 Euros, and from Ludwigslust station — about 25–35 Euros. Applications like Uber do not work as reliably in this region as they do in Berlin, so it is safer to rely on local dispatch services.

Car Rental

It is not possible to rent a car directly at the airfield. If you need a vehicle for travelling around the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region, we recommend arranging a rental upon arrival at major international airports or in the city of Schwerin. This will give you the freedom to move between the lakes, castles, and the airfield.

Nearest International Airports

For international tourists planning to visit this region, Neustadt-Glewe Airfield is the final destination of the route, not the point of entry into the country. Travellers usually fly into one of the large nearby airports and then reach Neustadt-Glewe by ground transport:

The closest is Laage Airport (about 75 km), which is convenient for those wishing to combine the trip with a holiday on the Baltic Sea. However, the undisputed leader in terms of flight frequency and connection convenience is Hamburg Airport (112 km). The journey from there by car takes just over an hour via the Autobahn. Another popular option is the capital's Berlin Brandenburg Airport (about 169 km), from where it is convenient to reach Ludwigslust by high-speed train.

You can also consider Hannover Airport or Bremen Airport if you are planning a grand road trip across Northern Germany, although they are located somewhat further away.

If you are accustomed to endless corridors, travelators, and multi-level terminals of international airports, Neustadt-Glewe Airfield will be a pleasant discovery for you. The structure of this aviation hub is extremely simple, logical, and human-oriented. There is no complex system of terminals here — all infrastructure is concentrated in a compact complex of buildings, creating a cosy, almost home-like atmosphere.

One Terminal — Many Possibilities

Essentially, the functions of a passenger terminal are performed by the main administrative building. This is the heart of the airfield, where the paths of pilots, skydivers, and guests cross. The building combines several key zones:

• Administration and Flight Control (Flugleitung): This is where pilot registration, fee payment, and receipt of flight information take place. It is the central point for flight operations.
• Flying Club Offices: Registration desks for those wishing to perform a parachute jump or sign up for an introductory flight are located here or in immediately adjacent rooms.
• Rest Area and Bistro: This complex usually houses a café or restaurant with an open terrace offering the best view of the runway.

Layout and Navigation

It is impossible to get lost in Neustadt-Glewe. Navigation is intuitive: from the car park, you go straight to the main building or the spectator area. The absence of strict "sterile zone" boundaries (as in large airports) allows guests to feel like direct participants in aviation life. However, it is important to remember that access to the apron (aircraft parking area) is permitted only when accompanied by staff or a pilot.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The concepts of "departure zone" and "arrival zone" are quite nominal here. Access to aircraft is through special gates directly from the administrative area or hangars.

• Departure: After meeting the pilot or instructor, you simply walk to the aircraft parked on the grass or asphalt apron. The entire path takes no more than 2–3 minutes.
• Arrival: After landing, the aircraft taxis to the parking spot, and you immediately find yourself near the exit zone or café.

Time for Procedures

The main advantage of general aviation is the absence of queues. Registration and pre-flight briefing procedures take minimal time:

• For private flights: It is sufficient to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to meet the pilot and receive a brief safety briefing.
• For parachute jumps: It is recommended to arrive with time to spare (usually 30–60 minutes), as time will be needed for paperwork, changing clothes, and ground training.

There are no shoe scanners or restrictions on carrying liquids typical of commercial flights here, making the flight preparation process as comfortable as possible.

Navigation Recommendations

Upon arrival at the airfield, look for the sign "Flugleitung" (Flight Administration) or signs with the names of specific clubs (e.g., the parachute centre). If you have arrived as a spectator or companion, the best waiting point is the open terrace of the café: all flight activity is perfectly visible from there, and you will not miss the moment of take-off or landing of your friends.

The history of Neustadt-Glewe Airfield (QGW) mirrors German aviation of the 20th century. Over nearly a century of existence, this facility has transformed from a secret industrial testing ground to one of the most democratic and popular centres for sports aviation in Mecklenburg. Today, a spirit of freedom and celebration reigns here, but the pages of the past hold many austere and significant chapters.

Foundation and the Era of Aircraft Manufacturing (1930s)

The history of the airfield began in the mid-1930s. Its emergence was dictated by the rapid development of Germany's aviation industry at that time. A branch of the famous Dornier-Werke concern, specialising in the construction of bombers and flying boats, was opened in Neustadt-Glewe. For the factory's needs — equipment testing and transport logistics — its own runway was required. Thus, the airfield emerged, initially as a closed facility serving industrial and military interests.

"Forge of Wings": The Post-War Period and the GDR

After World War II and the formation of the GDR, the purpose of the airfield changed radically. Its industrial past gave way to a sporting future. The facility came under the management of the "Society for Sport and Technology" (GST) — a paramilitary sports organisation of East Germany.

During this period, Neustadt-Glewe became a true school for hundreds of future pilots. Gliding developed actively here: young people mastered the art of unpowered flight, and the airfield infrastructure was adapted for training tasks. New hangars and classrooms were built, and a strong tradition of flying club life was formed, which is still alive today.

Modernisation and Present Day

A new chapter opened after the reunification of Germany in 1990. The airfield received the status of Verkehrslandeplatz (commercial general aviation airfield), which allowed it to receive private aircraft and develop tourism. In the 1990s and 2000s, large-scale reconstruction took place: the ground surface of the runways was renewed, communication and navigation aids were modernised, and the passenger and pilot service area was improved.

Today, the airfield is a key hub for skydiving in Northern Germany. Thanks to the constant renewal of the fleet and infrastructure, it attracts skydivers from all over Europe.

Events and Interesting Facts

• Global Music Arena: The loudest event in the modern history of the airfield is not related to flying. Since 2002, the airfield annually (usually in July) turns into a venue for Airbeat One — one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in Europe. During these days, the airfield hosts tens of thousands of guests, and instead of aeroplanes, giant stages with laser shows rise on the field.
• A View of History: This is one of the few airfields where the landing approach offers a unique view of medieval architecture. Pilots fly in close proximity to the Old Castle (Alte Burg) in Neustadt-Glewe — the oldest preserved military fortress in Mecklenburg (13th century).
• Living Legend: For a long time, the symbol of the airfield was the An-2 biplane (known as the "Corn Duster" or "Annushka"). This rugged workhorse aircraft lifted skydivers into the sky for decades, becoming an integral part of the local colour and history.

The infrastructure of Neustadt-Glewe Airfield (QGW) fully corresponds to its status as a cosy haven for general aviation. You will not find multi-storey shopping galleries or futuristic sleep pods here, but the special charm lies precisely in this simplicity and intimacy. All services are located compactly, and the staff treat every guest like an old acquaintance.

Restaurants and Gastronomy

The main attraction point for all visitors is the local bistro-café (Fliegerklause). It is not just a place to have a snack, but a true club for enthusiasts. It offers traditional German dishes, homemade pastries, coffee, and refreshments. The main feature of the establishment is the open terrace with a direct view of the airfield. While waiting for your flight or watching skydivers jump, you can enjoy lunch literally a few metres from taxiing aircraft.

Shops and Souvenirs

There is no customary Duty-Free zone or branded clothing boutiques here. Shopping opportunities are limited to small counters at the flying clubs. At the skydiving centre office, you can often purchase themed souvenirs: t-shirts, caps, or stickers with aviation symbols, which will be a great reminder of the jump you performed. For full-scale shopping or groceries, it is worth heading to the town of Neustadt-Glewe, located just a couple of kilometres away.

Communication and Finance

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Free internet access is usually provided in the café area and the administrative building. There are plenty of sockets for charging gadgets, and finding a free one will not be difficult.
• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no ATMs or currency exchange points on the airfield territory. Payment for services (e.g., jumps or flights) is often possible by card, but cash may be required in the bistro. The nearest banks (Sparkasse, Volksbank) are in the town centre.

Comfort and Business Services

There are no specialised VIP lounges or airline business lounges at the airfield, as regular commercial flights do not operate here. The role of a relaxation zone is played by the common space in the club or on the terrace. For pre-flight briefings or small meetings, the flying club's classrooms can be used — by prior arrangement with the administration.

Medical Services and Safety

Due to the specific nature of the airfield (active skydiving), increased attention is always paid to safety here. Instructors trained in first aid are present on-site, and first aid kits are available for emergencies. There is no full-scale medical centre or pharmacy; in case of serious necessity, assistance will be provided by the city services of Neustadt-Glewe.

Services for Passengers with Children

The airfield is a great place for a family visit. Children will be interested in watching the take-offs and landings of light aircraft from a safe distance. There are no special playrooms inside the buildings, but the spacious green territory allows children to spend time actively in the fresh air. Parents should watch their children carefully to ensure they do not go beyond the barriers of the flight zone.

Accessible Environment

The main public areas (car park, café, administration) are located on the ground floor, facilitating access for passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Airfield staff are always ready to provide individual assistance with boarding the aircraft, if the aircraft design allows it.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the airfield territory, however, in the warm season (especially during festivals), a campsite is often organised here for guests and participants.

For comfortable accommodation, we recommend considering options in the town of Neustadt-Glewe (5 minutes by taxi):

• Hotel Schloss Neustadt-Glewe: A unique opportunity to stay in a genuine 17th-century Baroque castle with stucco moulding and a historic atmosphere.
• Guest Houses and Pensions: Many cosy private apartments are available in the town, popular among tourists travelling around the lake district.

The gastronomic map of Neustadt-Glewe Airfield differs significantly from what passengers of major international hubs are used to. Here you will not encounter chain coffee shops, fast-food giants, or fine dining restaurants. Catering at the airfield is organised on the principle of "cosy, hearty, and home-style," which fits perfectly into the overall democratic atmosphere of this place.

Main Establishment: Bistro and Terrace

The only and main place where you can satisfy your hunger is the local airfield café (often called Fliegerklause or Fliegerbistro). It is located in the main administrative building and is accessible to all visitors — both pilots and guests, seeing-off parties, or simply spectators. There is no division into "airside" and "landside" zones: entrance to the café is free from the street.

The main highlight of the establishment is the sunny open terrace. This is an ideal location for lunch: you can enjoy your meal while watching the preparation of skydivers and aircraft take-offs literally a few dozen metres away from you.

Menu and Specialities

The cuisine here is simple but honest — what is called Gutbürgerliche Küche (hearty home-style cuisine) in Germany. If you want to feel the local flavour, pay attention to the following offers:

• For a hearty lunch: Classic Viennese Schnitzel with chips (French fries) or homemade potato salad. Also popular is Currywurst — a famous German sausage with curry sauce, which is considered the ideal "pilot's dish" here after a flight.
• Local Specialities: In cold weather or on windy days, Solyanka warms you up perfectly — a thick meat and vegetable soup, which is a culinary heritage of East Germany and very popular in Mecklenburg.
• Desserts: Be sure to try fresh pastries. The tradition of "coffee and cake" (Kaffee und Kuchen) is sacredly honoured here, so in the afternoon, homemade apple or plum pies often appear in the display case.

Dietary Requirements

Travellers with strict dietary preferences should be prepared for a limited selection:

• Vegetarians: Can usually order chips, various salads, or omelettes.
• Vegans, Halal, and Gluten-Free: Specialised options are generally not available on the menu. Choices for vegans are often limited to green salad or side dishes. Please note that many traditional dishes contain meat ingredients. If you have a strict diet or allergies, it is recommended to bring a snack with you — the staff treat this with understanding.

Prices and Opening Hours

The pricing policy at the airfield will pleasantly surprise you compared to city airports. The average bill for a full lunch with a drink will be about 10–15 Euros. Coffee and a piece of cake will cost 5–7 Euros.

The opening hours of the bistro depend directly on flight activity:

• In season (April – October): The café is open on weekends and holidays from 10:00 until sunset (or until the last customer). On weekdays, operations may be limited, offering only drinks and snacks.
• Winter period: The schedule is reduced; it is better to check information by calling the administration before your visit.

Recommendations

For a quick snack before a parachute jump, a "Bockwurst" (boiled sausage) with a bread roll and mustard is ideal — it is filling and does not require a long wait. If you have time, order a full lunch on the terrace. In case you require a more refined menu or a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, we recommend heading to the town of Neustadt-Glewe (just 5–7 minutes by taxi), where restaurants at the castle hotel and cosy town pizzerias are located.

Travelling through a small aviation airfield like Neustadt-Glewe differs radically from the experience in major international hubs. There is no hustle, long queues, or rigid regulations here, but there are specific rules dictated by the safety of private and sports flights. Here are some useful tips that will make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time: No Rush, but On Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours in advance." In Neustadt-Glewe, everything happens much faster.

• For private flights and air taxis: It is sufficient to be on-site 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure. This time is enough to meet the pilot, load luggage, and walk to the aircraft.
• For skydivers: If you are booked for a tandem jump, follow the club's instructions (usually asked to arrive 45–60 minutes in advance). This time is necessary for completing documents, medical briefing, and fitting equipment.

Check-in and Screening: Trust and Common Sense

There are no classic check-in counters or metal detector frames here. The "check-in" procedure is usually a personal meeting with the pilot or flying club manager in the main building (Flugleitung).

• Security: The absence of scanners does not mean an absence of rules. The pilot is personally responsible for the safety of the vessel and passengers. They have the right to inspect your bags.
• Personal Documents: Always have your passport or ID card with you, even on domestic flights, as this is a restricted access facility.
• Liquids: There is no strict "100 ml" rule here. You can take a bottle of water or a flask on board if the pilot does not object.

Seat Selection in the Aircraft

In general aviation, seating is determined not by a ticket, but by the aircraft's centre of gravity (weight distribution).

• Listen to the Pilot: You will be asked to sit in a specific seat depending on your weight and the weight of the luggage. Do not argue in this case — it is a matter of aerodynamics.
• Seat Next to the Pilot: In small 4-seater aircraft (like a Cessna), there is often an opportunity to sit in the front, in the "co-pilot's" seat. This offers the best view and unforgettable impressions. Politely ask about this in advance, but be prepared to yield if balance requires otherwise.
• In the An-2 Aircraft: If you are flying on the historic biplane for a jump or excursion, seats are located along the sides. The best view opens up closer to the tail, where the wings do not obstruct the view.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

The main limitation of small aviation is weight and dimensions.

• Soft Bags: Avoid rigid plastic suitcases. Luggage compartments of light aircraft often have irregular shapes, and it is much easier to stow a sports bag or soft rucksack there.
• Minimum Items: It is usually very cramped in the cabin. Take only the essentials with you into the cabin (phone, sunglasses, camera). Large items will have to be left in the aircraft's luggage compartment or in the flying club's lockers (if you are performing a jump).
• Prohibited Items: The standard list of dangerous goods (explosives, flammable liquids, pressurised cylinders) applies here as well.

Connections and Transfers

Neustadt-Glewe is not designed for transit transfers in the classical sense. If your route involves further travel:

• Plan with a Buffer: Small aviation is highly dependent on the weather. Do not plan a departure immediately prior to a train departure from Ludwigslust or a flight from Hamburg Airport. Leave a time buffer of at least 2–3 hours in case of departure delays due to weather conditions.
• Ground Connection: Book a taxi to Ludwigslust Station (Bahnhof Ludwigslust) in advance, as public transport does not run to the airfield, and finding a car on the spot may take time.

Customs and Passport Control

The airfield operates primarily within the Schengen Area.

• Within Schengen: Flights to neighbouring countries (Poland, Denmark) take place without customs control, like domestic ones.
• Outside Schengen: If you are planning a private flight outside the Schengen Area, prior notification is required (usually 24 hours in advance) so that federal police and customs officers can arrive at the airfield. Without a prior application, such a departure is impossible.

Saving Time and Money

• Cash: Always have Euros in cash with you. In the small bistro or when paying small fees, the terminal may not work, and there is no ATM on the field.
• Group Discounts: If you are planning a parachute jump, ask about group rates. Special prices often apply for groups of 4–5 people.
• Food: Prices in the airfield café are democratic, but the choice is limited. To save money, you can bring a light snack with you and have a picnic on the grass in the spectator area (away from the runway).

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays in small aviation are most often caused not by technical failures, but by weather (fog, strong crosswind, low cloud cover).

• Patience: Unlike large airliners, light aircraft fly under "Visual Flight Rules" (VFR). If the pilot says it is impossible to fly, this is not open to discussion.
• Leisure: Use the waiting time profitably. Visit the local bistro, chat with flying club members (they will tell plenty of interesting stories), or take a walk to the nearby forest.
• Cancellation: If the weather has hopelessly deteriorated, be prepared to reschedule the flight for the next day or receive a refund. Compensations provided by EU regulations for commercial airlines usually do not apply to private recreational flights and jumps.