Klagenfurt airport builds terminal for private jet passengers

Klagenfurt Airport is building a separate terminal for around 5,000 private jet passengers who arrive or depart each year, ORF reports. The 1.5 million euro project will also create offices for rent.

Construction on the new Wörthersee Terminal has been under way for several weeks. Airport managing director Maximilian Wildt said it will include separate areas for private aircraft passengers, including a dedicated check-in area and lounges.

The conversion is expected to be completed within a few weeks. Offices on the first floor will be used by the airport management, while external companies and medical practices will also be able to move in. The new office space will be available from November.

Wildt said there was strong demand for the location because the airport is accessible by public transport, has parking directly on site and is widely recognised. The first airport property has already been leased, with a private hangar planned there. The airport intends to lease a total of 42 hectares to generate revenue.

Klagenfurt Airport expects around 175,000 passengers this year. Laibach and Trieste are each expected to handle 1.7 million passengers.

Wildt said Austria’s flight tax was a competitive disadvantage, with a charge of 12 euros per passenger and 30 euros on domestic flights. The airport hopes to attract more airlines and passengers next year. It said the Koralmbahn railway had already helped bring more passengers from Styria to Klagenfurt Airport since it began operating.