Airports in Europe

Naples International Airport (NAP), officially known as Ugo Niutta, is Naples’ primary aerial hub. Located 3.7 miles (5.9 km) north-east of the city center, it comprises two terminal buildings – one for passengers and another for charter operations.

Generally well-organized and efficient, public transport to and from Naples International is bountiful. However avoid the many unlicensed drivers who attempt to pick up travelers and charge them exorbitant prices. Licensed taxis are highly visible and display a list of fixed rates inside their vehicles. By the end of 2011, though, passengers will also have the opportunity to travel to and from Naples International via train, as a new railway line connecting the airport to the city is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

As with most airports, Naples International can get chaotic at times. However, it’s generally a quick process getting in and out of the airport, and amenities are clean and adequate. Staff speak little English, but they are usually friendly and try their best to assist non-Italian speaking passengers. 

London City Airport (LCY) is a single-runway airport that serves London's financial district. It is sometimes referred to as a STOLport, meaning that the airlines serving the airport operate on a Short Take Off and Landing basis.

Located on a former Docklands site, flights to London City Airport are usually booked by business people looking to gain quick access to the major financial district of Canary Wharf. However, the number of leisure travelers using London City Airport is increasing every year – especially during ski season, when flights to Zurich, Geneva and Milan are especially popular.

Just 6 miles (10km) from the city-center, London City Airport offers very easy transport links for passengers looking to access London's CBD. In fact, in the July 2008 issue of Business Traveler magazine, London City Airport was voted as having the “best public transport links in the world.”

The airport is currently in the process of expanding and upgrading its terminal and runway facilities, and aims to be able to handle 8 million passengers per year by 2030. London City Airport is just 3km (2 miles) from the site of the 2012 Olympic Games – a fact which is sure to see its passenger traffic increase.

Note that London City Airport is not open 24 hours a day and keeps the following schedule: Monday to Friday from 5am to 10pm, Saturday from 5am to 1pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10:20pm.

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN), so-named because it is located between the two beautiful west German cities, is the sixth-largest airport in Germany, and offers good connections to a wide array of attractive European and North African destinations.

Flights to Cologne-Bonn Airport are operated by several low-cost carriers, including Germanwings, TUlfly, easyJet and Wizz Air, so be on the lookout for great deals on flights to exotic destinations such as Cape Verde and Marrakech.

For those looking to travel around Germany, Cologne-Bonn Airport is a wonderful access-point, just 9 miles (15km) from Cologne and 10 miles (16km) from Bonn. Both are celebrated international cities, full of plenty of things to see and do, and the airport is also far less busy than Munich, Berlin or Frankfurt.

Dublin International Airport (DUB) is the busiest airport in Ireland. It's just 6 miles (10km) from Dublin's city center, situated on the east coast. It has an extensive short- and medium-haul flight network around Ireland and the UK, although some larger international airlines do have direct flights to Dublin Airport from the Middle East, other parts of Europe and the United States.

Recently, there's been an increased demand to and from popular holiday spots in the Mediterranean and American shopping destinations like New York.

The airport itself is clean and functional, with a variety of shops and restaurants in all sections of the terminals. It's a great gateway into Dublin city, which is demographically one of the youngest cities in Europe (50% of the population is under 25). The area has a good public transport system and the airport is easily accessible by car or bus.

As the largest airport in the North Rhine-Westphalia area, and third largest airport in Germany, Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) is an ideal gateway into the region. It's 4.3 miles (7km) north of downtown Düsseldorf, and serves nearly 19 million passengers per year. The airport is a major hub for both Air Berlin and Lufthansa, which each offer around 300 flights per day. A large area of land located south-west of the terminals is currently being developed as Düsseldorf Airport City, to be completed by 2013. It already houses hotels, businesses and a cinema.

With over 40 restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout the airport, and even more retail outlets, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Otherwise, you can always see what's happening at Messe Düsseldorf, a trade fairground that hosts more than 40 annual fairs. It’s only 500 meters from Airport City, and will easily keep you entertained for hours.

Although it's a busy airport - over 70 airlines use it on a daily basis - Düsseldorf International offers an  efficient and stress-free transit environment.

Nottingham East Midlands Airport (EMA) is situated 11 miles (18km) from Derby, within easy reach of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby by road and public transport.

The hub for low-cost carriers bmibaby and Ryanair, flights to Nottingham East Midlands Airport come in from around Europe, including Spain (Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Tenerife and Fuerteventura). Other busy routes to and from Nottingham East Midlands Airport are Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

EMA has received several awards in recent years including World’s Leading Eco Friendly Airport and  Best Regional Airport (British Travel Award 2010) however many users report that increased traffic and lack of investment in infrastructure has led to long queues for security and cramped waiting areas. The airport has added facilities as needed, meaning things are spread out and often confusing to find.