The Düsseldorf Airport is the third-busiest in the country and serves Düsseldorf as well as the surrounding Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area which is one of the largest in the world which includes cities like Essen and Duisburg and has over 11 million inhabitants.
The airport was opened in 1927 and was extended extensively after the return to civilian use after World War II. Runways were extended and new terminals build. On 11 April 1996 the airport was the site of the worst airport fire to date. Caused by welding work on the roof, which set the underlying insulation on fire. The smoke and fire could spread fast resulting in the deaths of 17 people, hospitalization of 88 and over DM 1 billion in damages (about US$ 500 million). Terminals A and B had to be completely reconstructed which took several years. Only Terminal C was usable.
Most flights from Düsseldorf Airport are to Zurich and to Hurghada but there are many more flights to other destinations as well, most of them by Pegasus Airlines. Every day there are flights to 19 destinations from Düsseldorf Airport. Here are the most popular destinations:
The three terminals of Düsseldorf airport are connected by a central building. Now Terminal A is used by Lufthansa and Germanwings and Star Alliance members for domestic and international flights. Terminal B is for domestic and EU flights by European airlines. While terminal C is for non-Schengen flights by all other airlines.
The airport is located just 7 km north of Düsseldorf and 20 km southwest of Essen and is with a size of just 6 square km very compact.
The Düsseldorf Airport has two train stations. The long-distance railway station is located 2.5 km from the terminal and is used for commuter as well as high-speed trains. Under the terminal is the Düsseldorf Airport Terminal Station which is the terminus for the local S-Bahn Line S11. You can take the S11 to get into central Düsseldorf. The ride will take about 12 minutes and costs 2.50 euro. Buses to central Düsseldorf are also 2.50 euro.
A taxi can take you in 20 minutes to the city for 20 to 25 euro.
All prices quoted here were found in July 2017
