European Countries without an Airport
19 October 2024
Europe is home to 550 active commercial airports distributed across 40 countries (excluding Turkey and Russia). While many nations boast their own air travel facilities, some smaller countries lack airports entirely. This article explores five such countries in Europe—Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City—and their reliance on nearby airports for air travel.
Andorra
With a small population of approximately 85,600 inhabitants and a land area of just 468 km², Andorra is nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Due to its challenging topography and limited space, Andorra has no airport of its own; instead, it utilizes the nearby La Seu d’Urgell Airport (LEU) in Spain as its air gateway. This airport is located about a 30-minute drive (27 km) from Andorra's capital, Andorra la Vella. La Seu d’Urgell features a single runway (1,267 x 28 m) and currently has year-round scheduled flights operated by Air Nostrum to Madrid (MAD) under the brand Iberia Express.
Liechtenstein
Covering an area of 160 km², Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a population of around 39,500 people. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, and close to Germany's southern border, Liechtenstein lacks its own airports. The most convenient way to reach the country is by flying to the nearby St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH), which is about a 35-minute drive from the capital, Vaduz. ACH has a limited flight schedule, primarily serving multiple daily flights to Vienna operated by Peoples. Other nearby airports include Friedrichshafen (FDH), located 90 km from Vaduz (about 1 hour and 4 minutes by car), Memmingen (FFM) at a distance of 130 km (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes), and Zurich (ZRH), which is 120 km away (around 1 hour and 18 minutes). Aircraft registered in Liechtenstein carry the prefix HB, sharing allocation with Switzerland.
Monaco
Monaco is one of the tiniest states in the world, covering just 2 km². Located along the Mediterranean coast, it is completely surrounded by France and has a population of about 31,400, resulting in a very high population density of nearly 16,000 people per km². Known for its mild climate, stunning scenery, and world-famous gambling facilities, Monaco attracts tourists from around the globe. Due to its small area, the principality does not have an airport, only a heliport. From there, irregular connections to Nice Airport (NCE) are available. Helicopters can be privately chartered through Heli Air Monaco (YO) or Heli Securite, with flights operated on demand based on specific bookings. The primary aviation gateway to Monaco is Nice Airport, located approximately 35 minutes by car (27 km). Nice Airport serves as the main hub for the Cote d’Azur region and is France’s third-largest airport, offering connections to over 100 destinations, including long-haul flights. Aircraft registered in Monaco carry the prefix 3A.
San Marino
San Marino, covering an area of just 61 km², has a population of approximately 35,000. Its daily life is heavily influenced by its sole neighbor, Italy, which surrounds the country. The lack of access to the sea and the absence of its own airport mean that San Marino relies on Italian transport infrastructure. As a result, Rimini Airport (RMI), located about 21 km away, serves as San Marino's official aviation gateway. Rimini is an Italian regional airport, predominantly serviced by Ryanair, and it experiences significant seasonality, with the summer months being the most in-demand. The airport is not served by any legacy carriers and lacks connections to major hubs, which can make reaching Rimini somewhat challenging. Aircraft registered in San Marino carry the prefix T7.
Vatican City
Vatican City, also known as the Holy See, is the world’s smallest country, covering an area of just 0.44 km² and home to approximately 1,000 residents. Due to its topography and limited space, Vatican City cannot accommodate an airport, making it reliant on foreign airports for connectivity. Situated within the city of Rome, the main gateways to Vatican City are Rome Ciampino (CIA) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Ciampino is about a 35-minute drive (35 km), while Fiumicino is around 29 minutes away (29 km). Both airports offer different passenger services: Ciampino is primarily served by low-cost airlines, while Fiumicino functions as an intercontinental hub focused on legacy carriers.
In conclusion, while many European countries benefit from a robust network of airports, some smaller nations must rely on nearby facilities for their air travel needs. Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City exemplify this reliance, each with unique geographical and logistical challenges. As air travel continues to evolve, these countries must adapt to maintain connectivity and meet the demands of both residents and visitors. For further information about European Airports have a look at my book “All you need to know about European airports”.