Salzburg Airport begins 105 million euro reconstruction

Salzburg Airport has officially begun reconstruction work that will largely rebuild its arrival and departure facilities by 2033, ORF reported. The project centres on Terminal 1, a building dating from the 1960s.

The first step was the demolition of a small hangar, marking the start of one of Salzburg’s largest infrastructure projects. The airport is to become a single connected building for arrivals and departures, designed to meet new European Union handling rules, accommodate current security standards and process about 1.8 million passengers a year.

The current building has increasingly deteriorated, and the need for a replacement has been clear for years, said airport managing director Bettina Ganghofer. She said repeated objections from the owners that the project was too expensive had delayed planning before final approval was granted.

The current cost framework is 105 million euros. The airport will finance 70 million euros itself.

“As chairman of the supervisory board, I know how difficult the airport business model is. Generating profits is not something that can be taken for granted,” said Stefan Schnöll, the provincial transport councillor and deputy governor of Salzburg. He said the airport’s ability to generate profits made it possible to undertake such investments in the future.

During the first stage, all arrivals and departures will be moved to the existing Terminal 2. The old main building can then be demolished and rebuilt.

“Then we will truly be equipped for the next 100 years with a modern airport in Salzburg,” Governor Karoline Edtstadler said, describing the airport as a factor for the economy, holidaymakers and people departing on business flights.

The work will continue for several years while the airport remains in operation. If the project proceeds as planned, construction will be completed by 2033.