The company
Rostock-Laage Airport (IATA: RLG; ICAO: ETNL) is the largest commercial airport in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Established as a Bundeswehr base, it has been used as a civilian regional airport by Flughafen Rostock-Laage GmbH since 1993. Of the total area of 1,000 hectares, approximately 60 hectares are earmarked for civil use. To date, this military-civilian cooperation in air traffic is unique in Germany. Due to its ideal geographical location, the regional airport is increasingly establishing itself as an attractive gateway for Baltic Sea holidaymakers and business travellers. Geographically, Rostock is also a logistics hub to Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Southern and Eastern Europe. With its 24-hour operating permit, the airport can already be approached and handled by cargo aircraft up to jumbo size around the clock in any weather.
Find out more about the traffic figures at Rostock-Laage Airport
The history of the airport
2021
The year 2021 is also marked by the Covid pandemic, which will reduce air traffic worldwide to 10% of the flight volume in 2019. This will also be felt at Rostock-Laage Airport. Travel restrictions in Europe make it difficult to take flights. Nevertheless, in 2021 the destinations Antalya, Fuerteventura and Hurghada will be served by Corendon and cargo flights will be handled. The airport remains open daily for general aviation, factory traffic and flight school. In December, the restrictions in public life associated with the fourth wave of the pandemic affect the recovery of air traffic demand. The vaccination center operated at the airport by the county allows people in the region to get vaccinated, contributing to the pandemic response. In November, the previous shareholders (54.1% Rostocker Versorgungs- und Verkehrsholding GmbH, 35.6% Rostock County, 10.3% City of Laage) give the green light for the privatization and takeover of 100% of the shares to the Zeitfracht Group with effect from January 1, 2022.
The year 2021 is also marked by the Covid pandemic, which will reduce air traffic worldwide to 10% of the flight volume in 2019. This will also be felt at Rostock-Laage Airport. Travel restrictions in Europe make it difficult to take flights. Nevertheless, in 2021 the destinations Antalya, Fuerteventura and Hurghada will be served by Corendon and cargo flights will be handled. The airport remains open daily for general aviation, factory traffic and flight school. In December, the restrictions in public life associated with the fourth wave of the pandemic affect the recovery of air traffic demand. The vaccination center operated at the airport by the county allows people in the region to get vaccinated, contributing to the pandemic response. In November, the previous shareholders (54.1% Rostocker Versorgungs- und Verkehrsholding GmbH, 35.6% Rostock County, 10.3% City of Laage) give the green light for the privatization and takeover of 100% of the shares to the Zeitfracht Group with effect from January 1, 2022.
2020
In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic will shut down scheduled air service. The airport will still remain open daily to perform an important supply function and will become a transfer point for medical equipment, facilitate general aviation flights and support pandemic response by hosting the Vaccination Center for Rostock County. Employees are deployed to the vaccination center and maintain the airport's operational capability. Airbus parks aircraft at Rostock Airport and service flights to off-shore facilities are conducted. During the periods between lockdowns, Lufthansa flies to Munich and Corendon Airlines begins flights to Antalya. The airport's Green Airport concept is presented to the public.
In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic will shut down scheduled air service. The airport will still remain open daily to perform an important supply function and will become a transfer point for medical equipment, facilitate general aviation flights and support pandemic response by hosting the Vaccination Center for Rostock County. Employees are deployed to the vaccination center and maintain the airport's operational capability. Airbus parks aircraft at Rostock Airport and service flights to off-shore facilities are conducted. During the periods between lockdowns, Lufthansa flies to Munich and Corendon Airlines begins flights to Antalya. The airport's Green Airport concept is presented to the public.
2019
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. Following the bankruptcy of Germania and flybmi, new partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt are bringing vacationers to popular vacation destinations in Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada. In 2019, the study of the German Aerospace Center will be published, which describes a use of the airport as a future spaceport.
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. Following the bankruptcy of Germania and flybmi, new partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt are bringing vacationers to popular vacation destinations in Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada. In 2019, the study of the German Aerospace Center will be published, which describes a use of the airport as a future spaceport.
2018
is Rostock-Laage Airport's most successful year to date with 296,027 passengers. The result is supported by the connections of Germania and flybmi as well as the cruise season. For the first time, cruise passengers landed at Rostock-Laage on a Dreamliner (Boeing 787) operated by the airline NEOS from Milan. In cooperation with the transport company DB Schenker, the airport was able to demonstrate its capabilities as a reliable partner in the field of air freight handling. The Belgian airline VLM (Vlaamse Luchttransportmaatschappij) - has been flying five times a week from Rostock to Cologne/Bonn and on to Antwerp since June of this year. The airport Rostock-Laage takes over passenger controls on its own and can thus directly control and influence the service and the quality of the controls.
is Rostock-Laage Airport's most successful year to date with 296,027 passengers. The result is supported by the connections of Germania and flybmi as well as the cruise season. For the first time, cruise passengers landed at Rostock-Laage on a Dreamliner (Boeing 787) operated by the airline NEOS from Milan. In cooperation with the transport company DB Schenker, the airport was able to demonstrate its capabilities as a reliable partner in the field of air freight handling. The Belgian airline VLM (Vlaamse Luchttransportmaatschappij) - has been flying five times a week from Rostock to Cologne/Bonn and on to Antwerp since June of this year. The airport Rostock-Laage takes over passenger controls on its own and can thus directly control and influence the service and the quality of the controls.
2017
Together with its airline partner Germania, Rostock-Laage Airport celebrates a premiere: for the first time, there is a city connection between Zurich and Rostock. The terrace café is also renovated and reopened to offer guests and passengers a breathtaking view of the apron. The establishment of a second daily rotation to Munich from March and the launch of a second daily route to Stuttgart with bmi regional were a response to the demand from the business community for daily flights. In December, Rostock-Laage Airport receives EASA certification from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and will be able to perform all tasks under European standards in the future.
Together with its airline partner Germania, Rostock-Laage Airport celebrates a premiere: for the first time, there is a city connection between Zurich and Rostock. The terrace café is also renovated and reopened to offer guests and passengers a breathtaking view of the apron. The establishment of a second daily rotation to Munich from March and the launch of a second daily route to Stuttgart with bmi regional were a response to the demand from the business community for daily flights. In December, Rostock-Laage Airport receives EASA certification from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and will be able to perform all tasks under European standards in the future.
2016
New destinations in the flight schedule from Rostock-Laage: Lanzarote, Burgas and Crete are among the destinations that travelers can now reach directly from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's largest airport. The "seamless travel" concept is being expanded through cooperation with the Spanish cruise line Pullmantur Cruises. A passenger record is also set in July, with 50,603 passengers flying that month.
New destinations in the flight schedule from Rostock-Laage: Lanzarote, Burgas and Crete are among the destinations that travelers can now reach directly from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's largest airport. The "seamless travel" concept is being expanded through cooperation with the Spanish cruise line Pullmantur Cruises. A passenger record is also set in July, with 50,603 passengers flying that month.
2017
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. New partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt bring vacationers to the popular vacation destinations of Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada.
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. New partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt bring vacationers to the popular vacation destinations of Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada.
2016
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. New partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt bring vacationers to the popular vacation destinations of Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada.
Deutsche Lufthansa takes over the flight connections to Munich and offers twice daily flights to and from Munich. The Munich hub creates connecting flights to attractive destinations around the world. New partners such as Corendon Airlines, Laudamotion and FlyEgypt bring vacationers to the popular vacation destinations of Antalya, Mallorca and Hurghada.
2015
This year's program includes two first flights: Austrian Airlines flies to Linz from RLG for the first time and Germania now takes travelers directly to Fuerteventura. In May, the airport joins forces with the cruise line Costa Crociere to establish the "seamless travel" concept, which is unique in Germany: this allows air/cruise passengers to travel to their ship conveniently and comfortably by air without the multiple and inconvenient checking in and receiving of baggage. From June, free WLAN will be available in the terminal, and in October the tenth anniversary of the "Hans von Ohain" terminal will be celebrated.
This year's program includes two first flights: Austrian Airlines flies to Linz from RLG for the first time and Germania now takes travelers directly to Fuerteventura. In May, the airport joins forces with the cruise line Costa Crociere to establish the "seamless travel" concept, which is unique in Germany: this allows air/cruise passengers to travel to their ship conveniently and comfortably by air without the multiple and inconvenient checking in and receiving of baggage. From June, free WLAN will be available in the terminal, and in October the tenth anniversary of the "Hans von Ohain" terminal will be celebrated.
2014
The airport café "RUNWAY" will reopen freshly renovated in April and offer guests and travelers an exciting view of arriving and departing aircraft. From May, passengers can look forward to year-round, weekly flights to Varna (Bulgaria).
The airport café "RUNWAY" will reopen freshly renovated in April and offer guests and travelers an exciting view of arriving and departing aircraft. From May, passengers can look forward to year-round, weekly flights to Varna (Bulgaria).
2013
In June, a special anniversary is coming up: Rostock-Laage celebrates its 20th anniversary and invites to a big party. 16,000 visitors celebrate the birthday and many take the opportunity to view their state from the air on 50 sightseeing flights on offer. In November, Germania also launches its first flight to Hurghada (Egypt). Other new destinations include Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
In June, a special anniversary is coming up: Rostock-Laage celebrates its 20th anniversary and invites to a big party. 16,000 visitors celebrate the birthday and many take the opportunity to view their state from the air on 50 sightseeing flights on offer. In November, Germania also launches its first flight to Hurghada (Egypt). Other new destinations include Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
2012
From May, travelers will have the opportunity to fly directly from Rostock-Laage to Palma de Mallorca and thus to the sunny south. On June 15, the new apron with an additional 12,000m2 will be ceremoniously inaugurated.
From May, travelers will have the opportunity to fly directly from Rostock-Laage to Palma de Mallorca and thus to the sunny south. On June 15, the new apron with an additional 12,000m2 will be ceremoniously inaugurated.
2011
On March 26, the inaugural flight of the new Lufthansa line to Frankfurt/Main will be celebrated with a major event. For the first time ever, Rostock-Laage Airport will thus also be directly connected to Germany's largest hub.
On March 26, the inaugural flight of the new Lufthansa line to Frankfurt/Main will be celebrated with a major event. For the first time ever, Rostock-Laage Airport will thus also be directly connected to Germany's largest hub.
2010
On March 27, the new Lufthansa route to Munich will take off. For the first time ever, Rostock-Laage Airport is thus directly integrated into the route network of Deutsche Lufthansa. On 06 May, the first flight of Helvetic Airways between Rostock and Zurich takes place.
On March 27, the new Lufthansa route to Munich will take off. For the first time ever, Rostock-Laage Airport is thus directly integrated into the route network of Deutsche Lufthansa. On 06 May, the first flight of Helvetic Airways between Rostock and Zurich takes place.
2009
At the end of March, the first flight from Stuttgart marks the second connection with Germanwings to Rostock-Laage Airport. This first flight will also be celebrated with a big event and a Germanwings aircraft will be christened again, this time with the name "Insel Rügen".
At the end of March, the first flight from Stuttgart marks the second connection with Germanwings to Rostock-Laage Airport. This first flight will also be celebrated with a big event and a Germanwings aircraft will be christened again, this time with the name "Insel Rügen".
2008
On May 1, Germanwings begins scheduled service from Cologne Bonn to Rostock-Laage. As part of a major first flight event, a Germanwings aircraft is christened "City of Rostock". This line marks the successful start of the new strategy to position the airport as an incoming airport for Baltic Sea vacationers. From June to September, Ryanair connects Rostock-Laage with Stockholm for the first time.
On May 1, Germanwings begins scheduled service from Cologne Bonn to Rostock-Laage. As part of a major first flight event, a Germanwings aircraft is christened "City of Rostock". This line marks the successful start of the new strategy to position the airport as an incoming airport for Baltic Sea vacationers. From June to September, Ryanair connects Rostock-Laage with Stockholm for the first time.
2007
During the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm from June 6 - 8, Rostock-Laage will serve as the central airport for all take-offs and landings of the heads of government and their delegations. The renovated parking areas, which are now illuminated and equipped with a video surveillance system, will be handed over on August 13. For the first time, a moderate fee is payable for their use.
During the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm from June 6 - 8, Rostock-Laage will serve as the central airport for all take-offs and landings of the heads of government and their delegations. The renovated parking areas, which are now illuminated and equipped with a video surveillance system, will be handed over on August 13. For the first time, a moderate fee is payable for their use.
2006
The scheduled flight connection Rostock-Laage - Munich as well as Rostock-Laage - Cologne/Bonn with dauair will start on January 9. On March 26, Dortmund and Zurich will be added on Sundays. The first wedding in the terminal takes place on April 13 - followed immediately by a honeymoon. On July 12, "Air Force One" lands with U.S. President George W. Bush, his wife Laura and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a 36-hour visit to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Following the insolvency of dauair, OLT takes over scheduled flights to Munich from August 18. The German national soccer team lands at Rostock-Laage Airport on October 6 on the occasion of an international match in Rostock against Georgia. The renovation of the runway is successfully completed at the end of October after 3.5 months of nighttime construction work during ongoing flight operations.
The scheduled flight connection Rostock-Laage - Munich as well as Rostock-Laage - Cologne/Bonn with dauair will start on January 9. On March 26, Dortmund and Zurich will be added on Sundays. The first wedding in the terminal takes place on April 13 - followed immediately by a honeymoon. On July 12, "Air Force One" lands with U.S. President George W. Bush, his wife Laura and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a 36-hour visit to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Following the insolvency of dauair, OLT takes over scheduled flights to Munich from August 18. The German national soccer team lands at Rostock-Laage Airport on October 6 on the occasion of an international match in Rostock against Georgia. The renovation of the runway is successfully completed at the end of October after 3.5 months of nighttime construction work during ongoing flight operations.
2005
On May 23, 2005, the new domestic scheduled flight connection Rostock-Laage - Cologne/Bonn with Cirrus Airlines will be launched. As part of the new construction, the parking areas are also expanded, with 1,000 parking spaces available free of charge. On September 9, 2005, the new terminal was officially opened in the presence of guests from the tourism industry, business and politics. Open days were held on September 10 and 11. Numerous attractions awaited the 30,000 flight-loving visitors.
On May 23, 2005, the new domestic scheduled flight connection Rostock-Laage - Cologne/Bonn with Cirrus Airlines will be launched. As part of the new construction, the parking areas are also expanded, with 1,000 parking spaces available free of charge. On September 9, 2005, the new terminal was officially opened in the presence of guests from the tourism industry, business and politics. Open days were held on September 10 and 11. Numerous attractions awaited the 30,000 flight-loving visitors.
2004
On March 01, 2004, the starting signal is given for the major "New Terminal Construction" project. The foundation stone is ceremoniously laid on May 17. In the summer, the last MIGs from Fighter Wing 73 are taken out of service and handed over to our NATO partner Poland. From now on, the Eurofighters of the German Armed Forces will take off here for their training flights.
On March 01, 2004, the starting signal is given for the major "New Terminal Construction" project. The foundation stone is ceremoniously laid on May 17. In the summer, the last MIGs from Fighter Wing 73 are taken out of service and handed over to our NATO partner Poland. From now on, the Eurofighters of the German Armed Forces will take off here for their training flights.
2003
Die Planung für ein neues, internationales Terminal läuft. Im November 2003 erhält der Flughafen Rostock-Laage durch das Land den Förderbescheid für den Bau.
Die Planung für ein neues, internationales Terminal läuft. Im November 2003 erhält der Flughafen Rostock-Laage durch das Land den Förderbescheid für den Bau.
2002
Planning for a new international terminal is underway. In November 2003, Rostock-Laage Airport receives the funding notification for construction from the state.
Planning for a new international terminal is underway. In November 2003, Rostock-Laage Airport receives the funding notification for construction from the state.
2001
In the middle of the year, the 500,000th passenger is welcomed. In November, Air Berlin becomes the first airline to be based in Rostock-Laage and flies to 22 destinations via four hubs.
In the middle of the year, the 500,000th passenger is welcomed. In November, Air Berlin becomes the first airline to be based in Rostock-Laage and flies to 22 destinations via four hubs.
2000
On September 9, the first airport festival is held in Rostock-Laage. The almost 15,000 visitors not only marvel at the civilian part of the airport, but are also allowed to enter the military part. The highlight is two sightseeing flights with an Airbus A319 over the Hanseatic city of Rostock.
On September 9, the first airport festival is held in Rostock-Laage. The almost 15,000 visitors not only marvel at the civilian part of the airport, but are also allowed to enter the military part. The highlight is two sightseeing flights with an Airbus A319 over the Hanseatic city of Rostock.
1999
Rostock-Laage Airport becomes an airfreight station for Lufthansa Cargo. The newly inaugurated P4 long-stay parking lot expands the airport's parking facilities to 600 free parking spaces.
Rostock-Laage Airport becomes an airfreight station for Lufthansa Cargo. The newly inaugurated P4 long-stay parking lot expands the airport's parking facilities to 600 free parking spaces.
1998
The European aircraft consortium Airbus-Industrie (Toulouse) uses Rostock-Laage Airport as a test site for the new A 319 and A31 aircraft types. In March, the airport celebrates its 5th anniversary. This year, almost 100,000 passengers fly with 9 tour operators and 17 airlines to 24 different destinations in Germany and abroad. In order to meet the ever-increasing number of passengers, a new departure area is inaugurated this year.
The European aircraft consortium Airbus-Industrie (Toulouse) uses Rostock-Laage Airport as a test site for the new A 319 and A31 aircraft types. In March, the airport celebrates its 5th anniversary. This year, almost 100,000 passengers fly with 9 tour operators and 17 airlines to 24 different destinations in Germany and abroad. In order to meet the ever-increasing number of passengers, a new departure area is inaugurated this year.
1997
In order to meet the increased security standards, Rostock-Laage Airport is getting a new tower, which will be put into operation in March. Within a very short time, Rostock-Laage Airport has become one of the most important transport infrastructure facilities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. More tour operators include Rostock-Laage in their departure programs. At the end of the year, the airport already counts 80,000 passengers. The airport is also increasingly in demand for international freight traffic, with the cargo hall being built this year and Rostock-Laage becoming the only customs airport in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
In order to meet the increased security standards, Rostock-Laage Airport is getting a new tower, which will be put into operation in March. Within a very short time, Rostock-Laage Airport has become one of the most important transport infrastructure facilities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. More tour operators include Rostock-Laage in their departure programs. At the end of the year, the airport already counts 80,000 passengers. The airport is also increasingly in demand for international freight traffic, with the cargo hall being built this year and Rostock-Laage becoming the only customs airport in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
1996
Major German tour operators such as Neckermann and TUI include Rostock-Laage in their departure programs. The new vacation destinations include Mallorca, Tunisia, Turkey and Gran Canaria.
Major German tour operators such as Neckermann and TUI include Rostock-Laage in their departure programs. The new vacation destinations include Mallorca, Tunisia, Turkey and Gran Canaria.
1995
In November 1995 the first charter flight to Istanbul starts with the Rostock tour operator PTI-Panoramica.
In November 1995 the first charter flight to Istanbul starts with the Rostock tour operator PTI-Panoramica.
1994
Deutsche Post integrates Rostock-Laage Airport into its night airmail network. Since then, Rostock-Laage Airport has handled the entire overnight airmail transhipment for and from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Deutsche Post integrates Rostock-Laage Airport into its night airmail network. Since then, Rostock-Laage Airport has handled the entire overnight airmail transhipment for and from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
ab 1993
the Laage Air Base Group of Fighter Wing 73 is put into service, which is still based here today. As the only unit in the German Air Force, Fighter Wing 73 Steinhoff, which is stationed at Rostock-Laage, operates one squadron equipped with the MIG-29A and one with the McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom II. As early as 1992, the joint use agreement is concluded between the military and the civilian side. Civilian joint use of the air base and the start of flight operations by Flughafen Rostock-Laage-Güstrow GmbH begins after the opening of the terminal on October 4, 1993, just one year after planning began. Of the total area of 1,000 hectares, approx. 60 hectares are released for civilian use. To this day, this military-civilian cooperation in air traffic is unique in Germany.
the Laage Air Base Group of Fighter Wing 73 is put into service, which is still based here today. As the only unit in the German Air Force, Fighter Wing 73 Steinhoff, which is stationed at Rostock-Laage, operates one squadron equipped with the MIG-29A and one with the McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom II. As early as 1992, the joint use agreement is concluded between the military and the civilian side. Civilian joint use of the air base and the start of flight operations by Flughafen Rostock-Laage-Güstrow GmbH begins after the opening of the terminal on October 4, 1993, just one year after planning began. Of the total area of 1,000 hectares, approx. 60 hectares are released for civilian use. To this day, this military-civilian cooperation in air traffic is unique in Germany.
ab 1990
After the fall of communism, in 1990, the Bundeswehr took over the site and disbanded the NVA units in the same year.
After the fall of communism, in 1990, the Bundeswehr took over the site and disbanded the NVA units in the same year.
1978 - 1989
At the end of the 1970s, a new base for the GDR's National People's Army (NVA) is built in Laage near Rostock. The work drags on from 1979 to 1981. Then as now, Rostock-Laage Airport is considered one of the largest air bases in northern Europe. In 1984, military flight operations are started by the fighter-bomber squadron JBG 77 of the NVA. In 1985, the naval aviation squadron 28 is also stationed here, so that the airfield is used by two active squadrons.
At the end of the 1970s, a new base for the GDR's National People's Army (NVA) is built in Laage near Rostock. The work drags on from 1979 to 1981. Then as now, Rostock-Laage Airport is considered one of the largest air bases in northern Europe. In 1984, military flight operations are started by the fighter-bomber squadron JBG 77 of the NVA. In 1985, the naval aviation squadron 28 is also stationed here, so that the airfield is used by two active squadrons.