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Halmstad Airport

About the Airport

Halmstad Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Halmstad Airport (IATA: HAD), also known as Halmstad City Airport, is a key aviation hub for the Halland region on the southwest coast of Sweden. This compact and convenient airport serves as a gateway to the charming city of Halmstad and the picturesque beaches of the Kattegat. Despite its modest size, it plays an important role in serving both domestic flights and seasonal international destinations, offering travelers a quick and pleasant start to their Swedish adventure.

IATA Code HAD
ICAO Code ESMT
City Halmstad
Distance to Centre approx. 3 km
Status International
Annual Passengers approx. 124,000 (pre-pandemic data)
Popular Airlines Scandinavian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, GP Aviation
Schedule Halmstad Airport Online Board

The main advantage of Halmstad Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Passengers appreciate the rapid completion of all formalities — from check-in to boarding — which saves time and reduces stress. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making it easily accessible by taxi or public transport. The terminal features basic amenities, including a café and car rental services, allowing you to set off to explore the beauty of the Halland coast immediately upon arrival. Furthermore, the airport serves both scheduled flights to Stockholm and seasonal charters to popular tourist destinations, providing flexibility in travel planning.

Contact Information

To contact representatives of Halmstad Airport (HAD), you may use the following contact details:

  • Official Website: www.halmstadcityairport.se
  • Information Desk Phone: +46 35-18 26 00
  • Airport Address: Halmstad City Airport, 302 41 Halmstad, Sweden
  • Email: info@halmstadcityairport.se
  • Social Media: Current links to the airport's official social media pages can usually be found on their website.
  • Lost & Found Information: If you have lost your belongings within the airport premises, please contact the Lost & Found service. Contact information and opening hours are best verified on the official website.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and assistance, you may use the main phone number and email address listed above.

How to Get to the Airport

Halmstad Airport (HAD) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Halmstad, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several methods to reach the terminal, depending on their budget, time, and preferences. Regardless of your choice, you will easily reach your flight at this cosy airport in southern Sweden.

Public Transport is the most economical option. A local bus (Line 60, operated by Hallandstrafiken) runs to the airport, connecting it with Halmstad Central Station (Resecentrum). The journey takes only about 10-15 minutes. This is an excellent choice for travellers without a large amount of luggage. Bus schedules are usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, but it is always best to check current information on the carrier's website.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport. The ride from the city centre will take no more than 5-10 minutes. A car can be found at designated stands in the city or booked in advance via local taxi apps or by phone. This option is ideal if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with family, or simply value comfort and prefer not to depend on public transport schedules.

For those planning to actively explore the picturesque Halland region, car rental would be the best solution. Several rental companies have offices at Halmstad Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance online to guarantee the availability of the desired vehicle and secure more favourable rates. Upon arrival at the airport, you can collect the keys immediately and set off on your journey.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, a convenient car park is located right next to the terminal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a safe and practical way to leave your car for the duration of your absence.

While Halmstad Airport is convenient for local flights, travellers seeking a wider range of international destinations may consider larger air hubs. The nearest alternatives are Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport (AGH), as well as major international hubs such as Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH), which can be reached by train or car.

Terminals and Map

Halmstad Airport (HAD) is a compact and efficient regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure. Travellers need not worry about complex navigation, as everything here is designed for their convenience.

Structure and Terminals

Halmstad Airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The absence of multiple buildings makes it extremely easy to navigate. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is located in a single building, eliminating the need for long walks or shuttle transfers.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The terminal building is logically divided into several key zones. Upon entering the airport, you find yourself in the main hall where check-in counters and airline offices are located. After checking in, passengers proceed to security screening, followed by a small but comfortable departure area with boarding gates. The arrival zone is in the same part of the building but has a separate exit into the main hall after the baggage claim area. Everything is located within walking distance of each other.

Processing Times

Due to the airport's compactness, all formalities here take minimal time. Check-in and security screening usually proceed very quickly, especially compared to major international hubs. On average, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic flight to check in luggage and pass through controls without haste.

Navigation Recommendations

It is practically impossible to get lost at Halmstad Airport. All signs are clear and intuitive (in Swedish and English). The main advice is simply to follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs. Since all services, including the café, car rental, and restrooms, are located in one small space, you will easily find everything you need without wasting time searching.

Airport History

The history of Halmstad Airport (HAD) is closely intertwined with the military aviation of Sweden. The airport was officially opened in 1944 as a military airbase for the Halland Air Flotilla (F 14 Halland). During the Cold War years, it played a vital strategic role in the country's defence system, and a military presence remains on its territory to this day.

The transition to civil aviation began in the late 1950s. In 1958, the first small civil terminal was built, and the Swedish airline Linjeflyg launched scheduled flights to Stockholm. This event was the starting point for the airport's development as an important transport hub for the entire Halland region, serving both military personnel and civilian passengers.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the airport was modernised repeatedly. In the 1970s, a new, more spacious terminal building was constructed to handle the increased number of travellers. A significant milestone was the extension of the runway in the 1980s, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, and opened up opportunities for charter flights to popular southern resorts.

In recent history, a key moment was 2013, when the airport transferred from state ownership to the management of the Municipality of Halmstad and received its modern name — Halmstad City Airport. Since then, further infrastructure modernisation has been carried out, aimed at improving passenger comfort and meeting modern aviation safety standards. Today, Halmstad Airport is a modern regional air hub that successfully combines civil and military functions, remaining an important gateway to southern Sweden.

Services and Facilities

Despite its compact size, Halmstad Airport (HAD) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable start and end to their journey. The terminal building features a restaurant where you can have a full meal or simply enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the airfield. There is also a small shop selling newspapers, magazines, and essential items. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special zones are provided for charging gadgets.

For business travellers, the airport is equipped with modern conference rooms, making it a convenient venue for meetings. Passengers seeking more privacy can utilise the VIP lounge services. Families with children will appreciate the presence of changing tables in specially equipped rooms. The airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility; it is recommended to contact your airline in advance for assistance.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed in the terminal. It is important to note that there are no specialised currency exchange bureaus at the airport, so it is worth arranging this in advance. Although hotels are not located directly on the airport grounds, you will easily find many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget in the nearby city of Halmstad, just a few minutes' drive away.

Where to Eat

Halmstad Airport (HAD), being a compact regional airport, offers passengers cosy and convenient options for a snack or a full meal. The main and, essentially, the only establishment here is the restaurant and café located in the main terminal building.

It is important to know that the restaurant is located in the public zone (landside), meaning before security control. This is convenient if you wish to have a meal with people seeing you off, but it means that dining options are unavailable after security screening. Therefore, if you plan to eat, it is best to do so before entering the departure zone.

The establishment's menu offers options for both a full lunch and a quick snack. During the day, you can often order a "dagens rätt" — the Swedish equivalent of a business lunch, which includes a hot dish, salad, and a beverage. For those in a hurry, fresh sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, and, of course, the classic Swedish "fika" — coffee with delicious pastries, such as traditional cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) — are always available.

Prices in the restaurant are consistent with the average level for Swedish airports. Regarding dietary requirements, vegetarian options are usually available, such as salads or meat-free sandwiches. It is best to enquire about gluten-free or other specific options on-site. The restaurant's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft has departed.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Halmstad goes smoothly, take advantage of our tips. This small and convenient airport serves both domestic and international flights, and proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Due to the airport's compactness, long queues are rare here. For domestic flights within Sweden, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1 hour before departure. If you have an international flight, allow 1.5–2 hours for formalities. This time will be quite sufficient to go through all procedures without haste.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is via online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. When passing through security control, prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices in advance so that you can quickly remove them from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If the airline offers seat selection, consider your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Seats in emergency rows usually offer more space but may be available for an additional fee.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard rules prohibit the carriage of sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids exceeding 100 ml in a single container. All liquids must be packed in one transparent bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. Always check the weight and dimension limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

For Connecting Passengers. Halmstad Airport is small, so navigation here is simple. If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Ensure you have enough time between flights, and immediately upon arrival, find the gate information for your next flight on the board.

Customs Control. For flights within the Schengen Area, customs control is generally a formality (green channel). If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, be prepared to present goods for declaration if their value or quantity exceeds established limits.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book tickets and airport parking in advance online. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control — this is cheaper than buying water in shops in the departure zone.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay and the flight destination (especially within the EU), you may be entitled to meals, drinks, and even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes.

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