Paderborn Lippstadt Airport

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (German: Flughafen Paderborn Lippstadt) is not just a transport hub, but a true "home" gateway for residents of the Eastern Westphalia-Lippe region in Germany. Located approximately 18 km from the city centre of Paderborn, it offers a cosy and calm alternative to giant airports. Its concept focuses on maximum passenger convenience: short distances, fast service, and a personal approach, ensuring your journey begins without stress or bustle. The airport primarily serves popular European tourist destinations.

One of the key features of the airport is its compactness and thoughtful logistics. Passengers do not have to cover huge distances inside the terminal, which significantly saves time and energy. Despite its size, the airport is equipped with five stands for medium-haul aircraft, three of which are equipped with jet bridges. Thanks to its convenient location near the A33 and A44 motorways, getting to the airport by car is very easy, and traffic jams on the approach are a rarity.

For travellers awaiting their flight, everything necessary is available here: shops, a restaurant, and travel agencies. But the real highlight of the airport is the Quax-Hangar — a unique space housing an exhibition of vintage aircraft, as well as the "AirHangar" restaurant with a terrace offering a view of the airfield. This makes waiting for a flight not just comfortable, but truly fascinating.

• Official Website: www.airport-pad.com
• Information Service Phone: +49 (0) 2955 77-0
• Address: Flughafenstraße 33, 33142 Büren, Germany
• Email: info@airport-pad.com
• Social Media: Current information and news can be found on the airport's official Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Lost Luggage Information (Fundbüro): To search for lost items, it is recommended to contact your airline's baggage tracing service or use the form on the official airport website.
• Passenger Support Service: For general inquiries, you can contact the airport via the main phone number or email.

Getting to Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) is straightforward thanks to well-organized transport connections. The air harbour is located approximately 18 km from the city centre of Paderborn, and travellers have several convenient ways to reach the terminal, whether by public transport, taxi, or private car.

The most economical option is public transport. Express buses run regularly from Paderborn Main Station (Paderborn Hauptbahnhof) to the airport. Look out for routes S60 and 460, as well as the special AirportShuttle. The bus journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes and is an excellent choice for those travelling light and wishing to save money. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled for early morning or late evening.

For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can use taxi services or book a transfer. A car journey from the city centre will take about 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a taxi will be significantly higher compared to the bus, but this is compensated by speed and convenience. You can find cars at designated stands in the city or book a transfer online in advance to ensure a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

If you plan to explore the North Rhine-Westphalia region by car, car rental is your choice. Offices of all major rental companies are represented at Paderborn Lippstadt Airport, where you can both pick up and return a car before departure. The airport is conveniently located near the major A33 and A44 motorways, making trips around Germany fast and convenient.

For travellers with their own vehicles, spacious parking is provided at the airport. Various parking options are available: from short-term parking right at the terminal to more budget-friendly long-term car parks located slightly further away. It is strongly recommended to book a parking space online in advance — this not only guarantees a spot but often allows you to receive a significant discount.

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) is a compact and modern regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure for passengers. All infrastructure is housed in one passenger terminal, which completely eliminates the need for long walks or using shuttles to move between zones.

The terminal layout is intuitive. On the ground floor, you will find the Arrivals area and Check-in counters. Car rental desks, an information counter, and basic services are also located here. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the Departures area is located. It includes the security checkpoint, boarding gates, a small Duty Free shop, cafes, and waiting lounges. Due to the airport's small size, the path from the building entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time.

Check-in and security procedures at Paderborn Lippstadt Airport generally proceed very quickly. For flights within the EU, it is recommended to arrive 1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2 hours. However, thanks to the efficiency of the staff and the absence of large queues, completing all formalities rarely takes much time, even during peak hours. Navigation through the terminal is effortless: clear signs in German and English are installed everywhere, and the friendly staff are always ready to help. This makes the airport one of the most convenient in Germany for a calm start to a journey.

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD), located in the very heart of the Eastern Westphalia-Lippe region in Germany, has a rich history closely linked to the economic development of this area. It was officially opened in 1971. Initially, its main task was to provide business aviation services for local companies, which remains one of its key functions today.

The first significant phase of growth occurred in the 1980s. In 1984, a new terminal was built, which allowed not only for an increase in passenger traffic but also for the launch of the first charter flights to popular resorts, such as Mallorca. This step transformed the airport from strictly business-oriented into an important hub for leisure travel, earning it the affectionate nickname "Heimathafen" — home port for holidaymakers in the region.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the airport experienced a real boom. The runway was modernized, allowing for larger aircraft. A key event was the transformation of Paderborn Lippstadt into one of the major bases for the airline Air Berlin. This ensured steady growth in passenger numbers, which by the year 2000 exceeded 1 million people per year for the first time. The airport became a starting point for dozens of destinations across Europe.

One of the most serious challenges in the airport's history was the bankruptcy of Air Berlin in 2017, which led to a sharp reduction in flights. However, the airport management was able to diversify the portfolio of airlines, attracting new carriers, including budget and charter airlines. Today, the airport continues to modernize, focusing on passenger comfort and convenience, confirming its status as the "airport of short distances".

Interesting fact: despite the name, the airport is geographically located not in Paderborn or Lippstadt, but in the town of Büren. The name was chosen to reflect its central location and significance for the entire economic region. Over its more than 50-year history, PAD has transformed from a small airfield for business aviation into a modern and important air gateway serving both business travellers and tourists.

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) offers its passengers all necessary services for a comfortable and pleasant start to their journey. Despite its compact size, the airport is thought out to the smallest detail. Before departure, you can have a meal in the restaurant with a panoramic view of the runway or enjoy a coffee in one of the cosy cafes. In the departure zone, there is a Duty Free shop offering a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. To charge your gadgets before the flight, make use of the numerous power outlets and charging stations. Passengers who value privacy and comfort can spend time in the VIP lounge, where snacks, beverages, and fresh press are offered in a calm atmosphere.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are located in the public area of the airport. If you need to exchange currency, relevant services are also provided within the terminal. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the first aid station.

Travellers with children will appreciate the mother and child rooms, equipped with everything needed for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created: ramps, lifts, specially equipped toilets, and parking spaces are available. If necessary, you can book an assistance service from the car park to boarding the aircraft in advance.

For business people, the airport offers modern conference halls and meeting rooms, ideal for conducting business meetings. If you have an early departure or late arrival, you can stay at the hotel located directly opposite the terminal building, allowing you to reach the terminal in just a few minutes on foot.

Despite its compact size, Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) offers passengers several convenient dining options so you can refresh yourself before departure or after arrival. The main catering establishments are located in the public area of the terminal, before security control.

For a full lunch or dinner, the airport's main restaurant — Panolo — is an excellent choice. It is particularly known for its panoramic view of the runway, allowing you to watch the aircraft in comfort. The menu features both international dishes and Germany classics, such as schnitzel or various traditional specialities. This is the ideal place if you have enough time and want to eat calmly in a pleasant setting.

If you are looking for a quick snack, look out for the café or bakery. Here you will be offered fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, as well as hot and cold beverages. This is a wonderful choice to grab a coffee to go or have a bite right before heading to security.

Important tip: Most cafes and restaurants, including Panolo, are located landside (before security control). In the departure area (airside), the choice is usually limited to a small kiosk or vending machines. Therefore, if you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so before passing through passport control.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian dishes are usually available on the restaurant menu. Options for vegans or gluten-free meals may be more limited, so it is recommended to check availability directly with the staff. Opening hours of food outlets are generally tied to the flight schedule but may vary — it is always better to check current information on the official airport website.

To ensure your journey through Paderborn Lippstadt Airport goes smoothly, take advantage of these tips. Although it is a small and convenient airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For flights within Germany and the Schengen area, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you are flying to a country outside the Schengen area, allow 2.5-3 hours. One of the advantages of the airport in Paderborn is its compactness, thanks to which queues for check-in and security control are usually shorter than in major hubs. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone in advance.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. Always check your airline's allowances. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities: a window seat for view lovers, an aisle seat for those who value freedom of movement, and seats in the front of the cabin will allow for a quicker exit after landing.

Transfers and Customs: Paderborn Lippstadt Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here are generally uncomplicated. Check with your airline if you will need to collect your luggage and go through security again. When arriving from outside the EU, you will have to pass through customs control. If you have no goods to declare, use the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book parking on the airport website in advance — this is often more cost-effective. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after the security zone. Light snacks from home will also help avoid extra expenses in the airport cafes.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and announcements. Contact your airline representative for current information. Remember passenger rights in the EU: depending on the length of the delay, you may be entitled to beverages, meals, or even hotel accommodation.