Memmingen Allgäu Airport

Memmingen Airport, also known as "Allgäu Airport," is a true find for budget travellers wishing to explore southern Germany and the Austrian Alps. Low-cost carriers often refer to it as "Munich West," although the Bavarian capital is an hour's drive away; however, it is the most convenient starting point for a journey to the fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein and ski resorts. It is the highest-altitude commercial airport in Germany, which, despite its modest size, surprises with its efficiency and the absence of the endless queues typical of large hubs.

The airport terminal is compact and intuitive: it is difficult to get lost here, and the path from the entrance to the boarding gate takes just a few minutes. The atmosphere inside is calm and almost provincial, allowing you to avoid pre-flight stress. Thanks to its location at the intersection of important highways, Memmingen serves as an excellent starting point for road trips across Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and neighbouring countries.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of Memmingen is its speed and convenience. Due to the small size of the terminal, check-in and security procedures are significantly faster than in neighbouring Munich or Stuttgart. Parking here is also substantially cheaper than at major airports, and the parking lots are located within walking distance of the entrance.

Among the pleasant bonuses for passengers is the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. In the summer, travellers can pass the time in a traditional Bavarian outdoor garden area. However, it is worth noting that the airport does not operate around the clock: the terminal closes at night, so staying overnight in the building is not possible.

Transport accessibility is excellently organised: a special express bus connects the airport with Munich Central Station, and local buses will quickly take you to the centre of the historic city of Memmingen.

• Official Website: www.memmingen-airport.de
• Information Desk Phone: +49 8331 984200-0
• Address: Am Flughafen 35, 87766 Memmingerberg, Germany
• Email: info@allgaeu-airport.de
• Social Media: Current news and updates can be tracked on the airport's official pages on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If luggage or personal items are lost, please contact the Lost & Found service. Contact information and a form to fill out can usually be found in the relevant section on the airport's official website.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and assistance, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM), located near the city of Memmingen, is a popular gateway to Bavaria and the Alps. Thanks to a developed transport network, getting to it from the city centre or other regions of Germany and neighbouring countries is quite simple. There are several convenient methods suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly and popular option. Specialised shuttle buses, such as the Allgäu Airport Express and Flixbus, connect the airport with major cities: Munich, Nuremberg, Zurich, and others. The trip to Munich Central Station takes about 1.5–2 hours. To get to Memmingen train station, you can use local buses (lines 2 and 810/811). From there, it is easy to travel by train to any point in Bavaria. The trip from the station to the airport takes only 10–15 minutes.

Taxis and Transfers offer maximum comfort. The taxi rank is located directly at the terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Memmingen will be quick, but also the most expensive option. For long-distance trips or large groups, it is more cost-effective to book a private transfer in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service in the arrivals hall. This option is especially convenient if you are travelling with bulky luggage or small children.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the Allgäu region, the Bavarian Alps, or head to neighbouring Austria and Switzerland. Offices of all leading international rental companies (Sixt, Europcar, Avis) are present at Memmingen Airport. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to get the best prices and guarantee the availability of the desired model.

For travellers with their own vehicle, the airport provides extensive parking. There are several parking zones differing in cost and distance from the terminal. Zones P1 and P2 are intended for short-term parking, while the more budget-friendly P3 and P4 are for long-term parking. To obtain the most favourable rates, it is recommended to book a parking space via the official airport website well in advance.

The choice of method depends on your priorities: buses for savings, taxis for comfort, and a rental car for freedom of movement. Given the convenient bus routes, you can easily reach cities with other major airports from Memmingen, for example, Munich or Stuttgart, making it an excellent starting point for travel throughout the region.

Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM) is a compact and modern airport distinguished by its simple and clear structure. There is only one passenger terminal here, serving both departing and arriving flights. This makes navigation through the airport intuitively understandable and fast, which is especially convenient for travellers who value their time.

The terminal layout is very logical. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the arrivals area (Ankunft) with baggage claim belts, and customs control. Offices of rental companies, several cafes, and exits to bus stops and parking are also located here. An escalator or stairs lead to the upper floor, where the security checkpoint is located, after which passengers enter the departure hall with gates, a Duty Free shop, and another small cafe.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take minimal time. Everything is within walking distance, and you will not need shuttles or long walks. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in the same building, which eliminates confusion. Thanks to the small size of the airport, passing through check-in and security usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes during quiet times. However, during peak hours and days of mass departures (for example, at the beginning of holidays), it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid rushing.

The main advice for navigation at Memmingen Airport is simply to follow the signs. They are in German and English and are extremely clear. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The compactness of the airport is its key advantage, allowing passengers to go through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without stress.

The history of Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM) is a unique example of the successful transformation of a military facility into a thriving civil transport hub. Its history began in 1936, when a military airfield was built for the needs of the Luftwaffe. For decades, it played an important role in the military aviation of Germany, especially during the Cold War, when the fighter-bomber wing Jagdbombergeschwader 34 "Allgäu" was based here.

With the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of the armed forces, the military base was closed in 2003. However, instead of falling into disrepair, the airfield received a second chance. Already in 2004, it received a license to carry out commercial civil transport. This year can be considered the official birth date of the civil airport, although the first regular passenger flights started only in June 2007. It was from this moment that its rapid growth began.

A key stage in the airport's development was attracting budget airlines. In 2007, the Irish airline Ryanair arrived here, followed later by Wizz Air. This decision turned Memmingen into an important hub for low-cost transport in Southern Germany and a gateway to the popular tourist region of Allgäu and the Bavarian Alps. To meet the growing passenger flow, the airport went through several stages of modernisation. One of the most important events was the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) in 2016, which significantly reduced the number of flight cancellations due to bad weather, especially in winter.

Among the interesting facts and achievements of Memmingen Airport, it is worth noting that it is the highest altitude commercial airport in Germany (located at an altitude of 630 metres above sea level). Its history is not just a chronicle of dates and events, but an inspiring example of how military infrastructure can be successfully repurposed for peaceful goals, bringing economic benefit to the entire region and opening new opportunities for travellers.

Despite its compact size, Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or bistros, drink coffee, or purchase traditional Bavarian snacks. A Duty Free shop operates in the terminal, presenting a standard assortment of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and sweets. There are also kiosks offering newspapers, books, and souvenirs to remember your trip to Germany.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The waiting lounges are equipped with power outlets and stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. Financial services are represented by ATMs located in the public area. It is worth noting that specialised currency exchange points may be absent at the airport, so it is better to attend to this matter in advance.

The airport cares about the comfort and safety of all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped. In case medical assistance is needed, there is a first aid station (Erste Hilfe) on the airport territory; you can also ask any staff member for assistance. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with a full range of escort services, including help with check-in, passing security, and boarding the plane. To use this service, it is recommended to notify your airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

There are no dedicated VIP lounges or conference centres at the airport, as it is focused on fast and efficient passenger service. However, for those who need proper rest, hotels such as the FMM-Hotel or Bergers Airporthotel are located directly opposite the terminal, reachable within a few minutes' walk. This is especially convenient for passengers departing early in the morning or arriving in Memmingen late in the evening.

Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM), despite its compact size, offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal. The main establishments are concentrated in the single terminal and are available both before and after passing security control.

Before Security Control (Landside)

The main airport cafe-restaurant is located in the public area. Here you can leisurely drink coffee with fresh pastries or have a full lunch. The menu usually includes dishes of European and Bavarian cuisine. In good weather, the outdoor Biergarten (garden area) is particularly popular, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Bavaria by ordering traditional sausages with a pretzel (Brezel) and refreshing local beverages. This is an ideal place for those who have time before departure or for those seeing someone off.

After Security Control (Airside)

In the departure zone, the choice is more limited and focused on quick snacks. A cafe operates here where passengers can buy sandwiches, salads, snacks, desserts, as well as hot and cold drinks. This is a convenient option to take something on board or quickly refresh yourself before boarding.

Cuisine and Special Diets

Travellers should try local specialities, such as Leberkäse (meat loaf) in a bun or famous Bavarian pretzels. For vegetarians, options with cheese or vegetable salads are generally available. However, the choice for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, is extremely limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices and Opening Hours

The price range in Memmingen Airport establishments is average for European airports. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are directly linked to the flight schedule: they open with the first departures and close after the departure of the last plane, so you will not remain hungry at any time the airport is operating.

When planning a trip through Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM), use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This compact airport in Germany is a popular base for budget airlines, which has its own specific features.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite the small size, it can be crowded here during peak hours. We recommend arriving at the airport 2–2.5 hours before departure. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to go straight to security control.

Passing Security: Security checkpoints are close to the entrance. To speed up the process, pack all liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) in a separate transparent bag in advance and be ready to take out your laptop and other large electronics from your bag. Following these simple rules will help avoid delays.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Most airlines flying from Memmingen are low-cost carriers. Seat selection is paid, and doing this online in advance is usually cheaper than at the airport. A window seat will offer beautiful views of the Alps, while an aisle seat offers more freedom of movement. Carefully check your airline's hand luggage allowance regarding weight and dimensions to avoid unpleasant surprises and extra charges at the boarding gate.

Connecting Passengers: Memmingen Allgäu Airport is mainly focused on direct flights and is not a classic transit hub. If you have a self-transfer, allow plenty of time. You will most likely have to exit the secure zone, collect your luggage, check in again, and pass security control once more.

Customs Control and Savings: Customs regulations are standard for the EU. Use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare. To save money, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after the security check. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are quite high, so a light snack brought with you will also not go amiss. It is more profitable to book parking and tickets for the shuttle bus to nearby cities online in advance.

In Case of Flight Delay: Monitor information on the departure boards. If your flight is delayed for a long time, contact your airline's representative desk. Under EU rules, you may be provided with vouchers for food and drinks, and for long delays, a hotel. There are several cafes and shops at the airport where you can pass the time while waiting.