Augsburg Airport

Augsburg Airport (AGB) is a compact and exclusive aviation hub, often referred to as the "secret gateway" to Munich and Bavaria for those who value privacy and time. Located just a few kilometers from the center of historic Augsburg, it serves as an excellent alternative to major international hubs, offering exclusive services for business aviation and private pilots. There are no endless queues or hustle here: travelers can complete all formalities in a matter of minutes and enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the runway before departure. Thanks to its convenient location next to the A8 Autobahn, the journey to the Bavarian capital takes less than an hour, making this airport the ideal choice for business trips and VIP tourism.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Focus on Business Aviation: The airport specializes in handling private jets and corporate flights. This guarantees a high level of service, confidentiality, and the absence of tourist crowds typical of major hubs like Munich (MUC).
• Speed and Comfort: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, check-in, customs, and passport control procedures are completed as quickly as possible. Passengers can arrive at the airport just 20–30 minutes before departure.
• Convenient Logistics: The airport is located in immediate proximity to the A8 Autobahn (Munich — Stuttgart). A car journey to the center of Munich takes about 45–60 minutes, which is comparable to the travel time from the main Munich airport during peak hours.
• Free Parking: Free parking is provided for passengers and visitors, located literally within walking distance of the terminal entrance, which is a rarity for German airports.
• Gastronomy with a View: A popular Italian restaurant operates on the premises, where you can have lunch or hold a business meeting while watching planes take off and land from the open terrace.

• Official Airport Website: www.augsburg-airport.de
• Information Desk Phone: +49 821 27081-0
• Airport Address: Flughafenstraße 1, 86169 Augsburg, Germany
• Email: info@augsburg-airport.de
• Airport Social Media: Official pages are available on Facebook and YouTube (current links are available in the footer of the official website).
• Lost and Found Information: Due to the compact nature of the terminal, there is no separate service — for lost items, please contact the airport administration (Flughafenleitung) or the information desk via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: +49 821 27081-0 (Flight Operations).

Augsburg Airport boasts an exceptionally convenient location for motorists, as it is situated in immediate proximity to the federal A8 Autobahn. Since the airport specializes in business aviation, the transport infrastructure here is oriented towards maximum speed and comfort of arrival, avoiding the complex schemes and transfers characteristic of large passenger hubs.

By Car and Taxi

This is the most popular way to reach the terminal. The airport is located near the Augsburg-Ost exit off the A8 Autobahn (Munich — Stuttgart route). The route is simple and clear, with "Flughafen" signs installed everywhere.

• From central Augsburg: The trip takes just 15–20 minutes (about 7–9 km). The average taxi fare is 20–25 EUR.
• From Munich: The journey via the Autobahn will take from 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of a transfer or taxi can vary from 100 to 130 EUR.

Airport Parking

One of the main advantages of Augsburg Airport is parking. Unlike major international hubs, parking here is free for passengers and visitors. Parking spaces are located just a few meters from the terminal entrance, allowing you to save time and energy before departure.

Public Transport

There is no direct rail link or metro to the terminal itself, however, reaching it by public transport is quite feasible using a combination of train and bus.

• Train: First, you need to reach Augsburg Central Station (Augsburg Hauptbahnhof). High-speed ICE trains and regional expresses from Munich arrive here regularly (travel time is about 30 minutes).
• Bus: Regional buses run from the main station or Königsplatz square towards the airport (for example, routes towards Mühlhausen). The nearest stop is on the main road, from which you need to walk a few minutes to the terminal. Given the specific nature of the airport, many travelers prefer to take a taxi from Augsburg station directly to the aircraft steps.

Car Rental

Car rental services are available in the airport building or by prior arrangement. Since the passenger flow here is specific (business aviation), major rental companies often deliver premium class cars directly to the arrival of a private flight upon client request.

Alternative Regional Airports

Since Augsburg does not serve regular commercial airlines, tourists planning to fly on standard flights often use neighboring airports. The nearest major hub is Franz Josef Strauss Airport in Munich, located approximately 64 km away.

For budget travel, Memmingen Allgäu Airport (71 km) is often chosen, popular among low-cost carriers. If you are planning a trip through southern Germany, convenient options may include Nuremberg Airport (about 120 km) or Stuttgart Airport (131 km). For trips to ski regions, Innsbruck Airport in Austria, located 133 km from Augsburg, is also relevant.

Augsburg Airport is designed as simply and functionally as possible, which fully corresponds to its status as a hub for business aviation. There is no confusing system of multiple terminals characteristic of large international hubs. The entire airport complex consists of one main terminal building, which serves all arriving and departing flights. This compactness is the air harbor's main trump card: passengers are spared the need to use shuttles, trains, or long travelators, and the path from the entrance to the aircraft board is as short as possible.

Layout and Navigation inside the building are intuitive even for those here for the first time. Upon entering the terminal, visitors find themselves in the main hall, where information and registration desks (General Aviation Terminal — GAT) are located. Since regular mass passenger transport is not carried out here, there is no classic labyrinth of corridors or extensive "airside" area with Duty-Free shops. The space is organized to ensure client privacy and eliminate unnecessary hustle.

Departure and Arrival Zones are located compactly and are on the same level, which is convenient for passengers with luggage. Comfortable waiting areas with soft furnishings are provided for travelers. Business people can use conference rooms for meetings immediately after landing without going into the city. A feature of the terminal is its openness: the waiting room and the local restaurant offer a panoramic view of the apron, allowing you to visually monitor the readiness of your aircraft.

Processing Time here differs radically from the standards of large airports. Thanks to the absence of queues, check-in and pre-flight screening take on average from 10 to 15 minutes. Passport control for international flights is also conducted in express mode. This allows passengers to plan their arrival at the airport literally 20–30 minutes before departure, making Augsburg one of the most time-efficient transport hubs in Bavaria.

Navigation Recommendations:

• Upon arrival by car, follow the signs for "Terminal" or "GAT" — they will lead you straight to the main entrance.
• The passenger drop-off zone is just a few meters from the terminal doors, so porter services are rarely required here.
• For those meeting passengers, it is most convenient to wait for the flight's arrival in the Italian restaurant located in the airport building, which offers an excellent view of landing aircraft.

Although Augsburg can boast rich aviation traditions dating back to the early 20th century, the history of the modern airport in the Affing-Mühlhausen district began relatively recently. Before this, aircraft were received by the old airfield in the south of the city, in the Haunstetten district, which over time became hemmed in by urban development and had no prospects for expansion.

Opening and Establishment

The official date of birth of the current airport is considered to be June 22, 1968. It was then that the grand opening of the new air harbor took place, intended to meet the region's needs for business and sports aviation. In the 1970s and 1980s, the airport infrastructure developed systematically: a new control tower was built, hangars were expanded, and navigation equipment was improved, allowing for the reception of more complex types of aircraft.

The Era of Regular Flights

The airport experienced a true flourishing in the 1990s. This time is inextricably linked with the history of the local airline Interot Airways (later renamed Augsburg Airways). Starting with corporate transport for the Haindl paper concern, the company quickly grew into a full-fledged regional carrier.

During this period, Augsburg was connected by direct scheduled flights with major cities such as Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, London, and Cologne. The airport effectively functioned as a regional hub, being part of the Team Lufthansa route network. In peak years, passenger traffic was quite impressive for an airport of this class.

Change in Development Vector

The turning point was 2005. Due to the impossibility of extending the runway to accommodate larger jet liners and a change in Lufthansa's strategy, scheduled passenger flights from Augsburg were discontinued. Augsburg Airways relocated its fleet to Munich. Since then, the airport has reoriented towards serving business aviation ("General Aviation"), becoming an exclusive harbor for private jets and business travelers.

Interesting Facts and Achievements:

• Runway Limitation: One of the main historical problems of the airport was the length of the runway (about 1280 meters at the time of active disputes, now 1594 meters including safety zones). It was environmental protests and difficult terrain that prevented its significant extension in the 90s, which determined the airport's fate as a business terminal rather than a mass passenger hub.
• Aviation Cradle: The history of aviation in the city began long before the opening of the current airport. As early as 1916, the Bayerische Rumpler-Werke factories operated here, and later — the legendary Messerschmitt production facilities, where advanced aircraft of their time were created.
• Papal Visit: The airport has hosted top-level flights, including visits by heads of state. A significant event was the use of the airfield for logistics during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Bavaria.
• Modern Modernization: In recent years, the airport has undergone a number of technological upgrades, including the installation of modern GPS approach systems, which allows business jets to be received in almost any weather, maintaining the status of an all-weather airport.

Infrastructure and service at Augsburg Airport (AGB) are completely subordinate to the concept of "General Aviation". You will not find noisy shopping galleries or crowded food courts here. Services are oriented towards making the passenger's short stay as productive and comfortable as possible.

Restaurants and Shops

The main attraction for passengers and even city residents is the local Italian restaurant, located directly in the airport building. This is not just a "food outlet," but a full-fledged establishment with quality cuisine, offering pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes. The restaurant's open terrace (Zuschauerterrasse) is particularly popular, offering a breathtaking view of the runway. It is the ideal place to drink coffee or have lunch while waiting for a flight.

There are no classic Duty-Free shops or clothing boutiques here. The retail component is kept to a minimum, as business jet passengers usually do not spend time shopping in the terminal.

Business Services and Conference Rooms

Since the airport serves the business elite, business infrastructure here is excellently developed. Modern conference rooms equipped with the necessary presentation equipment are available for negotiations, seminars, or briefings. This allows entrepreneurs to hold meetings literally a few minutes after landing, without wasting time on a transfer to the city.

Free and fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The waiting areas provide comfortable places where you can charge gadgets and work with documents in silence.

VIP Service and Lounges

Unlike large hubs where VIP lounges are separated from the general flow, in Augsburg, the entire terminal effectively operates according to VIP standards. The waiting area (General Aviation Terminal) resembles a cozy lounge with soft furniture and a calm atmosphere. Staff provide an individual approach to each guest, assisting with luggage and formalities.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility and Families with Children

The airport's compactness makes it one of the most convenient for passengers with limited physical capabilities. The terminal building is single-level or equipped with ramps, ensuring a completely barrier-free environment. The distance from the entrance to the aircraft is minimal, and airport staff are always ready to personally escort the passenger to the board. Special restrooms are also provided.

There are no separate playrooms for passengers with children, as the waiting time for departure is usually no more than 20–30 minutes. However, the airport restaurant is child-friendly, and watching planes take off from the terrace becomes the main entertainment for young travelers.

Financial and Medical Services

There are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points in the terminal, so it is recommended to arrange for cash Euros in advance or use bank cards. The nearest ATMs and pharmacies are located in the shopping areas of the Augsburg-Ost district, just a few minutes away by car. First aid supplies are available at the airport itself, and staff are trained to act in emergency situations.

Hotels Near the Airport

There is no hotel on the territory of the airport itself, which is typical for small airfields. However, thanks to the convenient location, travelers can quickly reach comfortable accommodation options:

• Quality Hotel Augsburg: Located just 3–4 km from the airport, convenient for those traveling by car.
• Holiday Inn Express Augsburg: Located approximately 5 km away, offering modern rooms and breakfast.
• Hotels in central Augsburg: Historic and boutique hotels, such as Hotel Maximilian’s, are a 15–20 minute taxi ride away.

The gastronomic map of Augsburg Airport (AGB) fully corresponds to its boutique format and status as a business aviation center. Here you will not find noisy food courts with fast food or chain coffee shops familiar to large international hubs. Instead, the focus is on quality, comfort, and the opportunity to enjoy a meal in a calm atmosphere with a unique view.

Main Restaurant: Italian Classics with a Runway View

The heart of the airport's gastronomic life is the popular Italian restaurant (often known as Ristorante Da Claudio), located in the public area of the terminal (Landside). This establishment attracts not only passengers awaiting departure but also residents of the surrounding area who come here specifically for the cuisine and atmosphere.

• Location: The restaurant is located in the main terminal building before the security zone. The main highlight is the spacious open terrace facing directly onto the apron. In summer, you can dine here while watching business jets take off and land from a distance of just a few dozen meters.
• Cuisine and Signature Dishes: The menu specializes in high-level traditional Italian cuisine. It is worth trying the signature truffle pasta, fresh grilled seafood, or classic wood-fired pizza. Seasonal dishes are also offered, for example, asparagus in spring or dishes with chanterelles.
• Atmosphere: The interior is designed in an elegant yet casual style, suitable for both a business lunch with partners before departure and a relaxed dinner.

Dining in the "Secure Zone" (Airside) and Catering

It is important to consider the specifics of the airport: after passing security control (in the Airside zone), there are no full-fledged cafes or restaurants. This is due to the fact that the time between screening and boarding the aircraft is kept to a minimum here.

• Lounge Zone: In the waiting area for departing passengers (GAT), soft drinks, coffee, and light snacks are available. This is an area for a quick bite or a cup of espresso before walking out to the apron.
• In-flight Catering: For passengers on private flights, the main dining option during the flight is pre-ordered catering. The airport restaurant often collaborates with flight operators, providing exquisite haute cuisine dishes on board upon individual request.

Dietary Options and Special Requests

Thanks to the fact that the kitchen prepares dishes fresh to order, chefs are ready to adapt the menu to the needs of guests.

• Vegetarians: The menu always features a wide selection of vegetable salads, meat-free pasta, risotto, and Pizza Margherita or vegetable pizza.
• Vegans and Gluten-Free: While there may not be a specialized menu, the staff are accommodating to requests to exclude cheese or prepare fish/vegetables on the grill without sauces. It is best to check with the waiter in advance regarding the availability of gluten-free pasta.
• Halal: There is no certified Halal kitchen, however, the abundance of fish and seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian options, makes it easy to select a suitable meal.

Prices and Opening Hours

The restaurant's pricing policy corresponds to an "above average" level, targeting a business audience, but remains accessible.

• Average Bill: A lunch or dinner of two courses with a beverage will cost approximately 25–40 EUR per person. Pizza and pasta are in the range of 12–18 EUR.
• Opening Hours: The restaurant is usually open from 11:30 to 14:30 (lunch) and from 17:30 to 22:00 (dinner). The establishment is often closed on Mondays (Ruhetag), so it is recommended to check the current schedule before visiting.

Recommendations for Travelers

If you have time before your flight, it is highly recommended to choose a full lunch in the Landside restaurant — this will be an excellent start to your journey. If you are in a hurry, limit yourself to coffee in the GAT lounge area, as there will be nowhere to buy a sandwich "to go" after passing security.

Traveling through Augsburg Airport (AGB) is radically different from the experience of flying through major international hubs. Since this is a business aviation (General Aviation) airport, special rules of etiquette and logistics apply here. The main advantage is the absence of stress and crowds, but knowing local specifics will make your trip even more comfortable.

Arrival Time Recommendations

Forget the rule of arriving 2–3 hours early. In Augsburg, this would be a waste of time. For most private aviation flights, it is sufficient to arrive at the terminal 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This is quite enough to meet the crew, check in luggage, and pass security control. If you have an international departure with passport control, add another 10 minutes margin.

Check-in and Security Features

There are no long queues at check-in counters here. The procedure takes place in the GAT (General Aviation Terminal) on an individual basis.

• Documents: Keep your passport handy. The staff know their passengers by sight, but formalities are mandatory.
• Screening: Security control is quick but follows EU standards. You will be asked to remove outerwear and take out electronics, but the lack of a queue makes the process almost instantaneous.
• Privacy: The screening area is screened from prying eyes, guaranteeing confidentiality.

Seat Selection on the Plane

The concept of "online check-in" and "seat selection" in the usual sense is absent here. Seat allocation on board a business jet depends on the type of vessel and arrangements during chartering:

• Most often, the principle of free seating applies: you take any seat you like.
• If you are flying with a group, discuss preferences with the broker or captain in advance if someone requires more legroom or a table for work.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: What is Allowed

Rules for carrying liquids and items in private aviation are often more flexible than on commercial flights, but aviation security requirements remain in force.

• Liquids: Unlike regular airlines, private flights often allow beverages and cosmetic products in containers larger than 100 ml to be brought on board if they have passed security checks (depends on the specific operator and route).
• Pets: This is one of the main advantages. Pets can fly with you in the cabin, not in the luggage compartment. The main thing is to notify the operator in advance and have a veterinary passport with you.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, explosives, and dangerous chemicals are strictly prohibited in hand luggage, just as in any other airport.

Recommendations for Connecting Passengers

Augsburg Airport is not designed for transit connections in the classical sense (flight to flight within one zone). Usually, a transfer here means a change of transport:

• Car — Plane: You can drive up almost to the terminal entrance, which is ideal for a quick change of transport.
• Connection with Munich: If you arrived in Augsburg on a jet to then fly a regular flight from Munich (MUC), allow at least 60–90 minutes for the taxi transfer, taking into account possible traffic jams on the A8 Autobahn.

Customs Control Features

If you are flying outside the Schengen area or arriving from it, border control will be organized specifically for your flight. Police officers arrive by the time of departure/arrival. The procedure takes a few minutes, but it is important to ensure that all passengers have valid visas and documents, as a delay for one person can delay the departure of the entire flight.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Parking: Use the free parking right at the terminal. This is a significant saving compared to expensive parking lots in Munich or Frankfurt.
• Dining: If catering on board your jet is paid separately and is expensive, you can have a delicious lunch at the airport's Italian restaurant before departure. Prices there are quite "down to earth," and the food quality is high.
• Transfer: Instead of ordering an expensive limousine service, a regular taxi from the city will take you to the airport in 15 minutes for a reasonable price.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays in business aviation happen rarely and are more often related to weather conditions or waiting for the passengers themselves. If departure is delayed:

• Do not sit in the terminal; go to the restaurant with the terrace. It is more comfortable to wait for news there.
• Use the Wi-Fi in the lounge zone for work.
• GAT (General Aviation Terminal) staff are always in contact with the crew and will inform you of the exact time the vessel is ready, so you do not need to constantly look at the board.