Hamburg Airport (HAM) is named after Helmut Schmidt, former senator of Hamburg and German chancellor. The airport terminal is located 8.5 km north of the city center and serves as a base for Germanwings, Condor and EasyJet. It is the fifth largest commercial airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft traffic. Departures are carried out to 120 destinations, three of which are long-haul routes - to Dubai, Newark and Tehran. Hamburg Airport should not be confused with the nearby private air terminal Finkenwerder, which houses the Airbus factory.
History and development
The airport opened in January 1911, making it the oldest air gate in the world still in operation. Initially, the territory was 45 hectares and was mainly used for airship flights. In 1913, the airfield was expanded to 60 hectares, and it began servicing aircraft flights. During World War I, Hamburg Airport was used extensively by the military until it was destroyed by fire in 1916.
After SecondWorld War II, the occupation authorities of Great Britain used the airport terminal for their own purposes. And only in 1955, Lufthansa launched passenger transportation in Hamburg, thereby slightly unloading Frankfurt Airport. In 1960, the Boeing 707 was introduced, which made more noise than the engines of previous piston aircraft.
After that, the debate began on the topic of moving traffic to Hydemore Airport. Reasons cited included limited options for expanding the station and crossing runways and a lot of noise. These plans did not materialize due to the poor communication of other airports in relation to the cities. However, Lufthansa has moved its headquarters to Frankfurt.
With the beginning of the 1990s, Hamburg Airport embarked on an extensive modernization process. They built a new terminal, expanded the runways, equipped the communication and security zone between the old and new stations. Radisson Blu Hamburg Airport Hotel and roadside S-Bahn station opened in 2009.
Services
Hamburg Airport has grown tenfold since its inception. The number of services provided has also increased. Two interconnected passenger terminals provide access to 17 runways. The aircraft fleet covers the latest developments in the aviation industry, including such giants as the A380 Airbus.
Passengerscan get answers to general questions about the operation of the airport or flight, make hotel reservations, send a fax, make copies at special tourist offices. Free Wi-Fi is available for 1 hour, additional time can be bought at almost every kiosk. There are ATMs, currency exchange offices and even a casino on the territory.
For the convenience of passengers, there are 12 baggage belts, as well as luggage storage, shops, restaurants, salons and other service centers. You can rent trolleys and even strollers for children. The mode of operation is mainly during daylight hours, but some operate 24 hours a day.
24-hour medical services are provided by the Red Cross (DRK), a dentist works during the day. Pharmacy and prayer room are open. After a long flight, passengers can feel energized by taking a shower for an additional fee.
There is a hotel operating at the airport and several are located nearby. Transfer from them is free of charge. Hamburg (airport) closes from 01:00 to 04:00. Travelers will not be able to enter or exit the building during this time. This should be taken into account when planning a trip.
Transfer
The S-Bahn line (commuter rail) S1 connects the airport directly to the city centre. Trains depart every ten minutes. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
Hamburg Airport alsoconnected to some local bus routes in the surrounding areas of the city, as well as regular long-distance buses to Kiel and Neumünster.
Taxi available 24 hours. They can be found in front of Terminals 1 and 2. All cars are metered and no reservation is required. You can ask the driver about the fare just before leaving Hamburg Airport.
How to get to the airport terminal if the passenger is in his own car? This is also easy to do on the A7 motorway using the B433, which is the city's third ring road. Motorists from the eastern part of Hamburg will have to cross the entire city.
