AIRPORT GUIDE: Memmingen, what visitor’s can expect

0

Memmingen Allgنu Airport, known as FMM, is a compact international airport located 3.8 kilometres east of Memmingen’s city centre in Bavaria, Germany. Serving as a low-cost alternative to Munich Airport, approximately 110 kilometres away, it handled 3.2 million passengers in 2024, offering flights to 63 destinations across 26 countries, primarily with Ryanair and Wizz Air. Its small size, modern facilities, and easy access make it a practical choice for travellers exploring Bavaria, the Alps, or nearby Austria and Switzerland.

The passenger experience at Memmingen Allgنu is efficient due to its single-terminal design, though it can feel cramped during peak times. Check-in desks (1 to 10) and security are on the left, with arrivals in the centre, making navigation straightforward. Passengers typically clear check-in and security in 20 to 30 minutes, but queues can extend to 45 minutes during busy periods like summer or holiday seasons. Travellers are advised to arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones to account for manual boarding pass checks and security procedures. The absence of aircraft bridges means passengers walk to planes or use buses, which can be inconvenient in poor weather. Staff are generally helpful, and accessibility is strong, with ramps, lifts, and free wheelchairs available for those with reduced mobility, provided they notify their airline in advance.

See also  AIRPORT GUIDE: Lublin, what passengers can expect

Access to the airport is convenient, with good road and public transport links. The Allgنu Airport Express bus connects to Munich’s central station in about 90 minutes for £17, while local buses (lines 810/811 or City bus line 2) link to Memmingen’s train station, a 12-minute ride costing around £3.

Taxis to Memmingen’s city centre take 10 minutes and cost approximately £12, while car rentals from Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar are available on-site. The airport’s location near the A96 and A7 motorways ensures a quick 10-minute drive to Memmingen, though traffic on the A96 during peak hours can add delays. Parking is plentiful, with P1/Kiss & Fly offering 10 minutes free for drop-offs and pick-ups, and long-term spaces bookable online with licence plate recognition for easy access.

The airport’s layout is simple, with one terminal housing all facilities. The departures hall and gate areas are compact, with eight gates split for Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Recent expansions, including a new arrivals hall and baggage claim area in 2021, have improved capacity, but travellers note limited seating and poor air circulation post-security during peak times. A planned terminal expansion through 2025 aims to add gates and enhance security to address crowding. Fast Track tickets, bookable online, help bypass queues for a smoother experience.

See also  AIRPORT GUIDE: Sharm El Sheikh, what passengers can expect

Dining and retail options are limited but functional. A duty-free shop post-security offers travel essentials, local souvenirs, and alcohol, though prices are often higher than in nearby cities. Snack bars and an outdoor beer garden serve light meals like sandwiches and regional dishes, but no 24-hour food options are available. Travellers recommend eating in Memmingen for better variety and value. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, though speeds can slow during busy periods. Other amenities include ATMs, a currency exchange, and mobile charging stations in the departures hall and ground floor.

Facilities cater to essential needs. An information desk assists with queries, and a lost and found counter, operated by Allgate Service, handles misplaced items. Luggage storage is available at £2.50 per hour, and wrapping services cost £6 to £10 per bag. No airport lounges are available for economy passengers, and the airport closes from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM (or later, depending on the day), preventing overnight stays. Nearby hotels like FMM Hostel and Bergers Airporthotel, within a 5 to 10-minute walk, offer convenient options for early or late flights.

See also  AIRPORT GUIDE: Toronto Hamilton, what passengers can expect

On-time performance is strong, with a 99.6% reliability rate thanks to the airport’s ILS Cat I and anti-skid runway. Delays, when they occur, are typically short, averaging 15 to 30 minutes, often due to peak-season crowds, weather, or air traffic control issues. Real-time flight updates are available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Passengers should monitor schedules, especially during summer when high passenger volumes can strain the small terminal.

Connections are limited, as FMM focuses on point-to-point leisure routes rather than serving as a transfer hub. Ryanair and Wizz Air dominate, offering flights to destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Tirana, and Antalya, with no domestic routes. Transfers between flights require clearing security and immigration, which can take up to an hour for non-Schengen destinations. The compact terminal makes navigation quick, but passengers should allow extra time for manual processes.

Share.

Comments are closed.