Sylt Airport

“Did the first flights from Sylt Airport really carry VIPs like Marlene Dietrich and Thomas Mann?” a curious voice piped up from our tour group. Excellent question! While I can’t confirm those exact passengers, Sylt Airport’s history is certainly glamorous and intriguing. Officially known as Flughafen Sylt (GWT/EDXW), the airport sits proudly as Germany’s northernmost airport. Located in the municipality of Sylt, it’s often called Westerland/Sylt after the nearby town of Westerland. Though, interestingly, Westerland isn’t the closest settlement. Sylt Airport’s story begins in the early 20th century when Sylt became a popular holiday destination. The first small airport opened just after World War I in 1919, with routes to Weimar, Hamburg, and Berlin. This air link became essential, especially since Germany lost its mainland port to Sylt under the Treaty of Versailles. Travelers could bypass Denmark entirely. During World War II, Sylt Airport underwent a dramatic transformation into a significant military base. Post-war, it briefly became RAF Sylt, a training base for the Royal Air Force, until its closure in 1961. The swinging sixties saw the return of leisure travel. Then, the 1970s truly ignited Sylt Airport’s popularity. A major upgrade in 1990 brought new technology and passenger facilities, enabling the airport to handle larger aircraft like the Boeing 737. Today, Sylt Airport is a bustling hub, especially during the summer. Airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, and even easyJet connect the island to major German cities and Zurich. From modest beginnings to its modern-day role, Sylt Airport reflects the island’s own journey as a sought-after destination.