More Than 15,000 Visitors Celebrate 100 Years of Salzburg Airport with Aviation Displays and a Colourful Stage Programme
Despite exceptionally hot weather, more than 15,000 visitors attended Salzburg Airport's public anniversary festival to experience "their" airport as a gateway to the world, a major employer, and a driver of economic growth and innovation. Throughout the day, a varied programme of attractions on the ground and in the air delighted visitors of all ages.
The areas surrounding amadeus Terminal 2, Car Park P3 and the airside apron in front of the terminal were transformed into a vibrant event zone featuring aerial displays, exhibitions by the Austrian Armed Forces, Police, Fire Brigade, Austrian Red Cross and many other partners. Alongside numerous aircraft and exhibits on the ground, one of the day's major highlights was the spectacular flying display by The Flying Bulls, including the legendary Douglas DC-6.
Many visitors took advantage of the extensive public transport services offered free of charge for the event, while shuttle buses operated from parking areas at the Stadium, Messezentrum and Brandboxx Bergheim directly to the airport grounds.
From early in the morning, large crowds gathered at the entrances. Families, aviation enthusiasts, local residents, tourists and long-standing airport customers all came together to celebrate 100 years of Salzburg Airport.
The festival gates opened at 9:30 a.m., with the official opening ceremony beginning shortly after 10:00 a.m.. Welcome speeches were delivered by Karoline Edtstadler, Governor of Salzburg; Klaudia Tanner, Federal Minister of Defence; Bernhard Auinger, Mayor of the City of Salzburg; Eric Beißwenger, Bavarian State Minister for European Affairs; and Bettina Ganghofer, Managing Director of Salzburg Airport.
Festival Highlights
- Parachute display by the HSV Red Bull Salzburg skydiving team
- Flying display by The Flying Bulls featuring the legendary Douglas DC-6
- Modern military aircraft and drone technology presented by the Austrian Armed Forces
- Performance by the Bella Musica Mozarteum classical ensemble
- Traditional brass music, dance performances and stage shows, including the Special Olympics dance team
- Demonstrations by the Austrian Police Air Support Unit and the COBRA Special Operations Unit
- Police dog demonstrations
- Live exercises by the Airport Fire Brigade, Salzburg Professional Fire Brigade and the Salzburg Volunteer Fire Brigade
- Large Kids & Family Area featuring bouncy castles, puppet theatre, activity stations and mascot meet-and greets
- Regional food and beverage offerings with food trucks and shaded seating areas
The management, employees of Salzburg Airport and all exhibitors would like to thank everyone who attended for contributing to the smooth, safe and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the event despite the exceptionally high temperatures.
The festival also celebrated 100 years of aviation history in Salzburg. From the arrival of the first scheduled Fokker F II flight in 1926, the former grass airfield has developed into one of Europe's leading regional airports, welcoming heads of state, international celebrities and sporting legends over the decades.
Today, with approximately 1.8 million passengers annually, Salzburg Airport is Austria's largest regional airport outside Vienna and serves as a key transport hub for western Austria and neighbouring Bavaria.
The anniversary year also marks the beginning of a new phase in the airport's development. At the heart of this is the major "New Terminal" project, which will see the terminal infrastructure originally built in the 1960s gradually replaced with a modern, efficient and sustainable terminal complex by around 2033.
The public anniversary festival was a gesture of appreciation to the people of Salzburg and to everyone who has supported and accompanied the airport throughout its history.
The anniversary celebration represents the highlight of the centenary year. Additional events and partnerships with educational institutions will accompany Salzburg Airport throughout its 100th anniversary, reflecting the pioneering spirit, strong regional roots and forward-looking vision that have shaped the airport since its foundation.
Facts & Figures
- More than 15,000 visitors
- 20 aircraft and helicopters from civil aviation, emergency services and the Austrian Armed Forces
- 430 exhibitors and event staff
- More than 3,000 signatures on the anniversary congratulation wall
- Approximately 4 km of event fencing
- 100 tubes of sunscreen
- 20,000 commemorative cups featuring the "100 Years" branding
- 10,000 cable ties
- 300 cable protectors
- 8,000 litres of drinking water provided for the organising team and exhibitors during event set-up and throughout the festival
Special Thanks to All Participating Partners
Austrian Armed Forces (ground and air displays) / Salzburg Provincial Police Headquarters & COBRA Special Operations Unit / Salzburg Airport Fire Brigade, Salzburg Professional Fire Brigade and Salzburg Volunteer Fire Brigade / Austrian Red Cross, Salzburg Branch / Salzburg Air Sports Association / ÖSC / Airlink & Cowboy Air / Austro Control GmbH / Red Bull Salzburg (Hangar-7 and The Flying Bulls) / Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH / Georg Pappas Automobil GmbH / Heinemann Austria GmbH / Magnum FBO / ÖAMTC / Maxglan S6 Scouts / REISEWELT / ROPA / Strong Wings / Austrian Customs / Lagermax / HSV Red Bull Salzburg Skydivers / Salzburg Police Band / Austrian Military Band / Aperschnalzer Viehausen / Mozarteum Ensemble Bella Musica / Jeder.mensch Dance Team (Special Olympics) / Philharmonie Salzburg – Quartetto Bianco / Lagardère Catering / UFC Salty Angels Cheerleaders / AC Wals and many more …
Photos and videos from the anniversary festival are available here