Kaposvar Kaposújlak Airfield

Kaposujlak Airport sits on a flat stretch of farmland southeast of Kaposujlak village in southern Hungary, operating primarily as a general aviation and skydiving hub. The single asphalt runway runs roughly north-south, used by light aircraft and occasional recreational flights. The airport has no scheduled commercial service, but during warm months it draws visitors for tandem jumps and flying lessons. Wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park are available, though the terminal is basic.

Getting There

The airport lies about 20 kilometres southeast of Kaposvár, the Somogy county seat. By car, take Route 61 east from Kaposvár towards Dombóvár, then turn south onto a local road near the village of Kaposujlak. The drive takes roughly 25 minutes. There is no public transport to the airport; taxi from Kaposvár costs around 6,000–8,000 HUF (approximately €15–20) and can be arranged by phone through local cab companies. For those arriving from Budapest, Kaposvár is a 2-hour drive via the M7 motorway and Route 61, and from there the airport is a short additional leg. Parking is free on a gravel lot adjacent to the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-story building with a small waiting area, a counter for flight check-in, and separate male and female toilets. The wheelchair-accessible entrance leads directly into the main hall, and the accessible car park is marked near the door. No food or drink is sold on-site, so bring your own water and snacks. The atmosphere is informal – pilots and passengers mingle, and the staff at the counter handle flight bookings for skydiving and aircraft rentals. Security is minimal; you can walk from car to aircraft without queues. Departure consists of walking to the apron – there is no jet bridge or bus. For arrivals, you collect luggage from a small cart brought from the aircraft. Photography is permitted except near active runways during take-off and landing.

Kaposujlak Airport and Kaposujlak

Kaposujlak Airport and the village of Kaposujlak are linked to the larger city of Kaposvár, which most visitors use as a base. Kaposvár, often called the 'City of Flowers', is known for its well-kept pedestrian zone, the Kossuth Square, and the historic Kaposvár University campus. The city's main boulevard, Fő utca, is lined with cafés and shops, and the Sunday farmers' market at the Cultural Centre offers local produce and crafts. Visitors often combine a skydiving trip from the airport with a stroll through Kaposvár's parks and museums, such as the Rippl-Rónai Museum, dedicated to the Hungarian painter József Rippl-Rónai who grew up in the region.

The airport itself reflects the character of the surrounding area: flat agricultural land, with fields of corn and sunflowers in summer, and a quiet, rural pace. Skydiving operates primarily on weekends during the warmer months (April to October), and the drop zone is popular among jumpers from Budapest and other Hungarian cities. For those not jumping, the airport offers the chance to watch take-offs and landings from the edge of the apron, though there is no viewing platform. The village of Kaposujlak (population around 400) has a small grocery store and a bus stop connecting to Kaposvár three times daily, so planning in advance is essential.

What makes this area worth visiting beyond the airport is the natural beauty of the Zselic hills to the west, where hiking trails wind through oak forests, and the thermal baths at Igal, a 20-minute drive south. Wine enthusiasts can tour the Somló wine region, about an hour east. The airport serves as a convenient starting point for exploring southern Hungary's quieter corners, away from the tourist crowds of Budapest and Lake Balaton.

Practical Information

The airport is not open every day; operations typically occur between 9 am and 5 pm on weekends and by arrangement on weekdays. Check the website at http://www.hungaryairport.hu/airport_data.php?id=21 for current schedules. The busiest times are Monday 11 am, Tuesday 2 pm, Wednesday 11 am, and Thursday 1 pm – these likely correspond to skydiving bookings, so expect more activity and wait times then. The airport has no ATM or currency exchange; bring cash for any on-site payments. Nearest fuel station is in Kaposujlak village, 3 km away. A concrete piece of advice: Call ahead to confirm the airport is open and to book any flights, as the office hours are limited.