Hamburg Airport (HAM)
History, Facts and Overview

(Hamburg, Germany)

Amongst the world's oldest airports, Hamburg International Airport came into being in 1911 as a small airfield covering around 45 acres / 18 hectares. Used by the Hamburg Airport Hangar Company, the airfield was located on the western side of Lake Alster and during World War I, became an important base where military pilots were trained.

In 1920, a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Hamburg became the first ever international service in the whole of Europe and many improvements were soon made, to ensure that the airport would be on a level stage with Bremen's up-and-coming airport.


Today, the airport is now known as Hamburg International Airport (HAM) and enjoys high passenger figures, many cargo lights and good facilities, with modern luggage carousels, over 12,000 parking spaces, around 30 travel agencies, and a forthcoming S-Bahn railway line and new Airport Plaza.

An increasing number of airlines at Hamburg Airport are now offering automatic check-in machines, although only passengers with valid ATB tickets (Automated Ticketing and Boarding) can use this service. Whether you are simply after a quick coffee and a sandwich, or a proper sit down meal, plenty of choice is available with around 20 eateries on hand. The Himmelsschreiber Café is a particularly popular place to eat at Hamburg Airport since it offers excellent views of the planes landing.

Around 25 shops are also located at the airport, with favourites such as Destination Hamburg, Lufthansa WorldShop, Montblanc, Relay Books & Magazines, and the Travel Value & Duty Free Shops. The Airport Office provides a range of valuable services, including accommodation booking, events tickets and secretarial services. This is also a good place to purchase the Hamburg Card, which allows you to travel free of charge on all of the city's public transport, as well as sightseeing discounts.