Schärding-Suben Airfield

Overview

Schärding-Suben Airport is a small airstrip serving the Innviertel region of Upper Austria. It is primarily used for general aviation, including private flights, pilot training, and recreational flying. Unlike commercial airports, this facility does not handle scheduled passenger flights. Instead, it caters to pilots and aircraft owners who fly for leisure or business. The airport's compact size and single grass runway make it ideal for light aircraft and gliders. It is operated by a local flying club (LOLs – maybe a club acronym), and its operations are limited to specific hours, reflecting its nature as a community-focused airfield.

Location & Access

The airport is situated near the village of Suben, in the district of Schärding, Upper Austria. This area lies close to the German border, just a few kilometers from the Inn River, which forms the boundary between Austria and Germany. The nearest major city is Passau, Germany, approximately 12 kilometers to the northwest. The Austrian town of Schärding, known for its colorful baroque old town, is only 5 kilometers southeast.

Access to the airport is primarily by car. It is located off the B129 highway, which connects Suben to Schärding and the border crossing at Passau. Parking is available on-site, including a wheelchair-accessible car park. Public transport options are limited; the nearest train station is in Schärding, from which a taxi or ride-sharing service would be necessary to reach the airstrip. For those flying in, the airport is easily spotted from the air due to its proximity to the Inn River and the surrounding flat farmland.

Facilities

Schärding-Suben Airport offers basic amenities suitable for a general aviation field. Confirmed facilities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet
• Standard toilet

These features ensure that passengers with reduced mobility can navigate the airport with relative ease. However, travelers should not expect extensive passenger services such as restaurants, shops, or lounges. The facility is very much functional, catering to pilots and their passengers. The peak hours of 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm suggest that the airfield is busiest around midday, possibly coinciding with lunchtime flights or training sessions.

About the Region

The Innviertel region, where the airport is located, is known for its rolling hills, farmlands, and picturesque villages. The Inn River, a major tributary of the Danube, defines the landscape. The area is popular for outdoor activities such as cycling along the Inn Cycle Path, hiking in the nearby Sauwald forest, and water sports on the river. The historic town of Schärding, with its well-preserved medieval center and colorful houses, attracts visitors interested in architecture and culture. Additionally, the proximity to Passau offers a gateway to Germany's Bavarian Forest and the Danube Valley.

Travelers flying into Schärding-Suben Airport typically visit for leisure, such as exploring the region's natural beauty, attending local festivals, or using the airport as a stopover for longer flights. The airport also serves as a base for flight training, with several flying clubs operating from the field.

Practical Information

The airport is not open every day; operations are limited to certain days and times. Based on peak hours, the busiest time is around midday, so pilots should plan accordingly. For exact opening days and hours, contact the airport directly.

• Website: http://www.lols.at/
• Phone: +43 7711 2239
• Address: The airfield is located in Suben, Austria (exact address typically not publicized for general aviation fields; the website provides driving directions).

Given the airport's small scale, it's advisable to communicate with the operator in advance, especially if arriving or departing outside of peak hours. The runway is grass, so weather conditions can affect operations; pilots should check NOTAMs (notices to air missions) or contact the club for current status. As a travel writer, note that the airport is not suitable for commercial travel but is a charming entry point for those flying their own aircraft.