International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport | Tallinn | TLL | EETN |
| Tartu Airport | Tartu | TAY | EETU |
| Pärnu Airport | Pärnu | EPU | EEPK |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuressaare Airport | Kuressaare | URE | EEKE |
| Kärdla Airport | Kärdla | KDL | EEKD |
| Haapsalu Airport | Haapsalu | None | EEHA |
Notes:
- Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in Tallinn is the primary international gateway to Estonia, serving flights from various international destinations.
- Smaller airports like Tartu and Pärnu also handle international flights but have limited connections.
- Domestic airports such as Kuressaare, Kärdla, and Haapsalu primarily cater to regional flights or general aviation.
Estonia Airports: Key Gateways for Baltic Travel
Estonia, a small Baltic country in Northern Europe, has several airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. The nation’s main gateway is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, located in the capital city of Tallinn. This airport handles the majority of Estonia’s air traffic, offering connections to numerous European destinations.
Aside from Tallinn, Estonia has smaller regional airports in Tartu, Kuressaare, and Kärdla. These airports mainly cater to domestic flights and some seasonal international routes. Since joining the European Union in 2004 and adopting the euro as its currency in 2011, Estonia has seen an increase in air travel and tourism.
Estonia’s airports play a vital role in connecting this nation of 1.3 million people to the rest of Europe and beyond. They serve as important links for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, helping to boost the country’s economy and international relations.
Major Airports of Estonia
Estonia has several airports that serve both domestic and international flights. These airports play a crucial role in connecting Estonia to the rest of Europe and the world.
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is Estonia’s primary international gateway. Located just 4 km from Tallinn city centre, it handles the majority of the country’s air traffic.
The airport’s IATA code is TLL, while its ICAO code is EETN. It offers flights to numerous European destinations and serves as a hub for Nordica, Estonia’s national airline.
Tallinn Airport features modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. The terminal can handle up to 2.6 million passengers annually.
Travellers should note that Estonia uses the Euro as its currency and operates in the Eastern European Time zone (EET).
Tartu Airport
Tartu Airport, with the IATA code TAY, serves Estonia’s second-largest city. It’s located 10 km south of Tartu city centre.
The airport primarily handles domestic flights and some international charter services. It plays a vital role in connecting Tartu to Tallinn and other Estonian cities.
Tartu Airport’s facilities are more modest compared to Tallinn, but it offers essential services for travellers. The runway is 1,799 metres long, allowing for operations of smaller aircraft.
Pärnu Airport
Pärnu Airport, IATA code EPU, serves the coastal city of Pärnu. It’s situated 4 km northwest of the city centre.
The airport mainly caters to domestic flights and seasonal charter services. It’s particularly busy during the summer months when Pärnu becomes a popular beach destination.
Pärnu Airport has a single runway that’s 2,000 metres long. Its terminal building is small but functional, providing basic amenities for passengers.
Kuressaare Airport
Kuressaare Airport, with IATA code URE, is located on Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. It’s 3 km from Kuressaare town centre.
The airport is crucial for connecting Saaremaa to mainland Estonia. It handles regular flights to Tallinn, operated by Nordica.
Kuressaare Airport has a 1,800-metre runway and a small terminal building. Despite its size, it provides essential services for travellers to and from the island.
Kärdla Airport
Kärdla Airport, IATA code KDL, serves Hiiumaa, Estonia’s second-largest island. It’s situated 7 km southeast of Kärdla town.
The airport operates regular flights to Tallinn, maintaining a vital link between Hiiumaa and the mainland. These flights are particularly important during winter when ferry services can be disrupted.
Kärdla Airport has a 1,520-metre runway and basic passenger facilities. Its role in island connectivity makes it an essential part of Estonia’s airport network.
Military and Private Aviation Facilities
Estonia has several important military and private aviation facilities. These sites play crucial roles in national defence and general aviation activities.
Ämari Air Base
Ämari Air Base is a key military aviation facility in Estonia. Located in Harjumaa county, it serves as the main operating base for the Estonian Air Force. The airbase supports NATO’s air policing mission in the Baltic region.
Ämari features a 2,936-metre runway capable of handling various military aircraft. It hosts fighter jets from NATO allies on a rotational basis. The base underwent significant upgrades to meet NATO standards after Estonia joined the alliance.
The Air Force Training Centre at Ämari provides essential training for Estonian military personnel. It also supports joint exercises with NATO partners. The base’s strategic location allows for quick response times to potential airspace incursions.
Rapla Airfield
Rapla Airfield is a private aviation facility located near the town of Rapla. It primarily serves general aviation and recreational flying activities. The airfield has a grass runway approximately 600 metres long.
Local flying clubs and private pilots frequently use Rapla Airfield. It hosts various aviation events and training activities throughout the year. The facility plays a vital role in supporting Estonia’s general aviation community.
Rapla Airfield operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. It does not have instrument landing capabilities or air traffic control services. Pilots must adhere to local regulations and coordinate with nearby controlled airspace when operating at this airfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estonian airports offer modern facilities and convenient travel options. Many visitors have common questions about flying to and from Estonia.
What are the main international airports in Estonia?
Tallinn Airport is the largest airport in Estonia. It serves as the main international gateway to the country. There are also smaller regional airports in Tartu and Pärnu, but they handle fewer international flights.
How do I get from Tallinn Airport to the city centre?
Tallinn Airport is located just 4 km from the city centre. Trams, buses and taxis provide quick and easy transport options. The journey typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Are there any direct flights from the UK to Estonia?
Yes, several airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Tallinn. These include easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. Flight times are around 2.5 to 3 hours from London airports.
What facilities can I expect at Estonian airports?
Estonian airports offer modern amenities. Tallinn Airport provides shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange and car hire services. Smaller airports have more limited facilities but still cover basic traveller needs.
How early should I arrive at Estonian airports for international flights?
For international flights, it’s best to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, security procedures and any unexpected delays. During peak travel seasons, extra time may be needed.
Which airlines operate regular services to and from Estonia?
Several airlines fly to and from Estonia regularly. These include Finnair, airBaltic, Lufthansa, and Ryanair. Estonian national carrier Nordica also operates flights to various European destinations.
