As one of Germany’s most historic airports, there are more than just flights at Leipzig-Altenburg Airport (AOC).
Airships used to come calling here as far back as 1909! When a local duke was given a ride in such a ship, he became a great proponent of the new aviation technology and by 1913, Leipzig-Altenburg was an official airfield.
Currently, about 140,000 people pass through the gates each year, making it Thuringia‘s second-largest airport. (Yeah, it may sound strange since the city of Leipzig is in Saxony, but the Leipzig-Altenburg Airport lies just across the border, in Thuringia.)
Distance
OK, that’s a bit tricky now… Geographically, the Leipzig-Altenburg Airport lies on the grounds of the village Nobitz, whereas with 10km/6mi it’s just a stones throw away from Altenburg.
The distance to Leipzig‘s city center is 53 km (32 mi) while Dresden is the next major city at a distance of 109 km (67 mi).
Hours Of Operation
AOC’s operating hours depend on the season. During the winter, weekday hours run from 08:00 through 18:00. Weekend hours are one hour shorter on each end, from 09:00 until 17:00. In the summer, hours are extended. Weekday hours stretch from 07:30 to 20:00 and weekend hours are 09:00 to 19:00.
Leipzig-Altenburg Airport Airlines
Ryanair is the one and only that operates flights here at Leipzig-Altenburg Airport. Most of these connect the airport to the London/Stansted airport, other flights go to Edinburgh and Barcelona/Girona.
Leipzig-Altenburg Airport Timetables
There’s one timetable for both arrivals and departures…
Getting To And From Leipzig-Altenburg Airport
It is no problem to connect to AOC via public transportation, like most of Germany.
Long Distance Trains
There’s no train station at the airport, thus no long-distance trains stop here. You’ll need to connect to Leipzig and take the airport’s shuttle bus (see below) or go via Altenburg and take a Taxi for the remaining 10 km/6 mi.
Regional Trains
Same here… There are no regional trains that connect directly to the airport. However, as I mentioned, Altenburg and a Taxi is the way to go if you’re on a regional trip.
Buses
Leipzig-Altenburg Airport has tried to make the commute to the airport as simple and convenient as possible. Their shuttle buses run in connection with the departing flights. All you have to do is arrive at Leipzig’s Main Station. The journey takes 70 minutes, though.
Here’s a timetable for their shuttle bus, including a price list.
Car / Taxi
Many possibilities here…
From Erfurt: A4 to Dresden, take exit 62 Meerane on to the B93 towards Altenburg. The remainder is well sign posted.
From Leipzig: Drive south onto the B2, then B95, to Chemnitz. After Dolsenhain, and right before Altmörbitz, there’s an exit (Kreuzallee) that leads through a forest directly to the airport.
From Chemnitz or Dresden: While on the A4 to Erfurt get off at exit 68 Kreuz Chemnitz towards A72 to Leipzig. Keep on going to Leipzig and it’ll bring you onto the B95. 18 km or 11 mi later, right after the village of Altmörbitz, take the exit (Kreuzallee) that leads through a forest directly to the airport.
For navigation system users, enter: Flugplatz for the street and Nobitz for the city (postal code: 04603).
Shopping
There are limited shopping opportunities at AOC.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants located within the Leipzig-Altenburg Airport. The nearby city of Altenburg is a nice place with various eateries if your stomach is longing for help.
Fun Facts
The airfield that pre-dated Leipzig-Altenburg Airport was disabled after the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. When it was restated by the Nazi Party, it became a strategic base for the Luftwaffe. At the war’s end, it was captured by the Americans, handed over to the Russians. It was used as a base by the Soviets until 1992, when the Iron Curtain fell.
