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Vilhelmina Airport

About the Airport

Vilhelmina Airport, also known as South Lapland Airport, is not just a transport hub, but a welcoming gateway to the world of pristine wilderness and adventures in Swedish Lapland. Located in a picturesque corner of northern Sweden, it greets travelers with an atmosphere of tranquility, incomparable to the bustle of major metropolises. From here begins the journey to crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. This compact airport serves as an important connecting link for the local population and tourists seeking to discover the authentic North.

Vilhelmina Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code VHM
ICAO Code ESNV
City Vilhelmina
Distance to Centre approx. 12 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers ~ 15,000
Popular Airlines Amapola Flyg

The main advantage of Vilhelmina Airport is its compactness and convenience. Here, you will not encounter long queues or complex navigation: all procedures, from check-in to boarding, are completed quickly and without unnecessary stress. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value their time and comfort. The airport plays a key role in the region's transport accessibility, ensuring regular air connections with Stockholm. For tourists, it is an excellent starting point for exploring southern Lapland: nearby are popular spots for fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing.

Contact Information

Below you will find contact information for Vilhelmina Airport, which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential inquiries.

  • Official Website: vilhelminaairport.se
  • Information Desk Phone: +46 940 398 88
  • Address: Laxbäcken 200, 912 91 Vilhelmina, Sweden
  • Email: info@vilhelminaairport.se
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost during the flight, you must contact your airline directly. To trace items left within the airport building, you can contact via email: hittegods@vilhelminaairport.se.
  • Passenger Support Service: For general questions and consultations, please contact the airport's main phone number or email address.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) from the city center of Vilhelmina is effortless, as it is located just 10-12 kilometers away. A trip by car usually takes about 10-15 minutes, making the transfer quick and convenient. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several modes of transport.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Generally, bus services (such as Flygtaxi, operating on a shuttle principle) are synchronized with flight arrival and departure schedules. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance and book a seat on the carrier's website, as the frequency of service may change depending on the season and flight loads. This is an excellent choice for travelers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest way to reach the airport. A car can be found at a stand in the city or called by phone. To guarantee vehicle availability, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival, it is better to book a transfer in advance. This option is more expensive but ensures "door-to-door" delivery without unnecessary hassle.

For those planning to actively explore the picturesque surroundings of Swedish Lapland, car rental will be the ideal solution. Many rental companies offer pick-up or drop-off directly at the airport. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is at your service. Usually, both short-term and long-term parking options are available.

If your itinerary allows for flexibility, it is worth considering other airports in the region of Sweden. The nearest alternative is Lycksele Airport, located approximately 90 km away. Slightly further are Hemavan Airport (about 160 km) and the larger Arvidsjaur Airport, serving a significantly larger number of tourists. Örnsköldsvik Airport is also within reach.

Terminals and Map

Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers. There is just one compact passenger terminal here, which handles both domestic and rare international charter flights. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, navigating the building is very easy.

The airport layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to worry about transfers between them—all services and zones are under one roof, within a one or two-minute walk.

The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a security checkpoint, after which passengers enter a small waiting lounge near the boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a hall with a baggage claim belt. Everything is arranged so compactly that you will immediately see the signs you need.

The main feature of Vilhelmina Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take just a few minutes, as the passenger flow here is small. This allows you to avoid the queues and stress typical of large airports. The main navigation advice is simple: getting lost here is practically impossible, and the entire journey from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate will take you a minimum amount of time.

Airport History

Vilhelmina Airport (VHM), also known as South Lapland Airport, has a history closely tied to the need for development and connectivity for the remote regions of northern Sweden. The airport was officially opened in 1970. Its construction was a strategic decision to improve transport accessibility for the municipalities of Vilhelmina, Dorotea, and Åsele, providing them with a reliable link to the capital and other parts of the country.

Since its opening, the airport has gone through several stages of modernization to meet modern aviation requirements. One of the key moments in its development was the extension and paving of the runway, which allowed it to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft. The terminal building has also been reconstructed multiple times to increase passenger comfort, although it has retained its compactness and cozy atmosphere characteristic of small regional airports.

The main achievement of Vilhelmina Airport can be considered its enduring role as a vital artery for the local population and economy. For decades, it has facilitated not only business and personal travel but also serves the needs of air ambulance services. Furthermore, the airport has played a key role in developing tourism in the region, opening access to ski resorts such as Kittelfjäll and the unique nature of Swedish Lapland for travelers from all over the world.

Interesting fact: the airport in Vilhelmina is one of the smallest in Sweden with regular year-round service. Its operation largely depends on seasonality: peak loads occur during the winter tourist season and summer months. Despite its modest size, it continues to effectively fulfill its main mission—to be a reliable air gateway to one of the most picturesque and remote corners of Europe.

Services and Facilities

Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) is a compact regional aviation hub that provides passengers with a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Given its small size, you will not find the variety of large international airports here, but everything essential for travelers is provided.

A small café operates within the terminal building, where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments and beverages before departure. Shops offer a limited assortment, so shopping is best planned in advance. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and the waiting lounge has power outlets for charging electronic devices.

There are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport. However, for business travelers, there is an option to rent a small conference room for meetings. It is important to note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange points on the premises, so all financial transactions are recommended to be completed in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve all categories of passengers. In case first aid is needed, please contact the airport staff. Assistance is provided to passengers with reduced mobility for moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking—it is necessary to notify your airline in advance for this. For travelers with small children, baby changing tables are equipped in the restrooms.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Vilhelmina, which can be quickly reached by taxi or rental car.

Where to Eat

Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) is a small and cozy regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments is appropriate for its size. It is oriented towards allowing passengers to comfortably have a snack before departure or after arrival, but it does not offer the variety found in major hubs.

The main and, typically, the only place for dining is the restaurant-café located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the public zone (landside), meaning before security control. This is convenient for both departing passengers and those meeting them. Here you can have a full lunch or quickly drink a coffee.

The menu usually includes:

  • For a full lunch: "Dagens rätt" is often offered—a dish of the day, which represents a classic Swedish hot meal. This can be a good opportunity to try the local cuisine of Sweden.
  • For a quick snack: A wide selection of sandwiches (smörgåsar), fresh pastries (such as the famous cinnamon buns), salads, yogurts, and beverages. This is an ideal option to enjoy a traditional Swedish "fika" (a coffee break with something sweet).

The café's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule—it is open to serve passengers for departures and arrivals. Prices can be described as moderate for the country. Regarding special dietary needs (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free), it is worth checking the availability of suitable options with the staff on-site. Choices may be limited, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring snacks with you. Important tip: plan your time so that you can eat before passing through pre-flight security, as there are no establishments in the sterile zone (airside).

Travel Tips

Traveling through Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) is generally a quick and calm process, characteristic of small regional airports in Sweden. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to go through all procedures without rushing. Flight check-in and security control usually proceed much faster here than in large hubs, but it is better to have a time buffer. To save time, check in for your flight online and, if traveling without luggage, proceed directly to security.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Security standards comply with general European regulations. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Thanks to the small passenger flow, queues for screening are rare.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Flights to this region offer stunning views of Swedish Lapland. If you want to enjoy the scenery of lakes and forests, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival are more important to you, an aisle seat is more suitable.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Vilhelmina Airport mainly serves direct flights, most often to Stockholm, and is not a transit hub. If you have a transfer planned at another airport (for example, at Arlanda), allow sufficient time for it. Since most flights are domestic, there is no customs control for passengers traveling within Sweden. Passport control is also not conducted for flights within the Schengen Area.

Economy and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book tickets in advance and monitor baggage weight to avoid extra charges. In a small airport, the selection of cafés and shops may be limited, so you can bring a light snack with you. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative at the airport or check the flight status via a mobile app. Clarify information about your rights as a passenger, including potential compensation or the provision of food and accommodation.

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