7 Airports In Estonia That Should Be On Every Traveller’s Radar

Estonian Air Bombardier CRJ900 at Tallinn Airport with an open gate and parked cars

Airports in Estonia offer efficient and modern facilities, providing seamless connections for both domestic and international travel. Despite being a small country, Estonia’s airports are traveller-friendly, with quick security checks and excellent infrastructure. Many also support eco-friendly initiatives, reflecting the nation’s commitment to sustainability. Whether visiting Tallinn for its mediaeval charm or Tartu for academic pursuits, Estonia’s airports make travelling for business or leisure convenient and accessible.

Major Airports In Estonia

Here is a detailed guide to Estonia’s major airports, designed to ensure a seamless travel experience:

1. Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport

Busy Tallinn Airport runway with multiple aeroplanes and airport vehicles in motion

Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons

Airports in Estonia are known for efficiency and convenience, with Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport standing out as the busiest and most advanced. Located just 4 km from Tallinn’s city centre, it serves as the country’s main international gateway. The airport offers smart security lanes, e-gates, and a cosy Nordic design. It’s also recognised for sustainability efforts, featuring solar energy solutions, a travellers’ library, and an aviation museum.

Places To Visit Nearby: Tallinn Old Town, Kadriorg Palace, Seaplane Harbour Museum
Nearby Hotels: Hilton Tallinn Park, Swissôtel Tallinn
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Salt, NOA Chef’s Hall

2. Tartu Airport

Inside of an airport with empty halls and a baggage clearance equipment in the middle

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Airports in Estonia play a vital role in regional connectivity, with Tartu Airport being the second busiest after Tallinn Airport. Located just 10 kilometres from Tartu’s city centre, it primarily offers flights to Helsinki via Finnair. Supporting both business and academic travel, Tartu Airport is key to regional development. Though smaller, it features modern facilities and efficient services, with future plans for expanded routes and improved infrastructure to enhance accessibility across Europe.

Places To Visit Nearby: Emajõgi River Promenade, University of Tartu, Tartu Old Town
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Lydia, Hansa Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: Meat Market Steak & Cocktail, Püssirohukelder

3. Pärnu Airport

Pärnu Airport building with a lush green grass field in the foreground on a sunny day

Photo: Margus Leedo / Wikimedia Commons

Pärnu Airport is a regional airport in southwestern Estonia, located just over 4 kilometres from Pärnu’s city centre. It primarily serves seasonal flights and general aviation, with a focus on summer tourism. Following a €13 million renovation in 2021, the airport now features an upgraded terminal, runway, and navigation systems. Finnair operates seasonal flights to Helsinki, while private jets and charter flights support spa and beach tourism in the region.

Places To Visit Nearby: Pärnu Beach, Tervise Paradiis Water Park, Pärnu Old Town
Nearby Hotels: Strand Spa & Conference Hotel, Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Raimond, Villa Wesset

4. Kärdla Airport

Kärdla Airport in red and white, with parked cars and a watchman securing the entrance

Photo: Ivo Kruusamägi / Wikimedia Commons

Kärdla Airport is a key air transport hub on Estonia’s Hiiumaa island, despite its small size. Established in 1963, it connects Kärdla with Tallinn and supports regional mobility. The airport features a 1,520-metre asphalt runway, suitable for small commercial aircraft and private aviation. Operated by Tallinna Lennujaam Ltd, it offers regular domestic flights on NyxAir, particularly valuable in winter when sea transport is less reliable. Future upgrades are under consideration.

Places To Visit Nearby: Tahkuna Lighthouse, Kassari Island, Hiiumaa Military Museum
Nearby Hotels: Padu Hotel, Hotel Liilia
Nearby Restaurants: Ungru Restaurant, Rannapaargu

5. Kuressaare Airport

Estonian Air Saab taking off at Kuressaare Airport terminal with trees in the foreground

Photo: WikedKentaur / Wikimedia Commons

Kuressaare Airport is the main gateway to Saaremaa Island, Estonia. Established in 1945, it handles both scheduled and charter flights, primarily connecting with Tallinn. The airport features a modern 2,000 metre asphalt runway and a passenger terminal with a café and car rental services. Essential for winter connectivity when ferry services are limited, it also accommodates evacuation and private flights. Managed by Tallinn Airport Ltd., further upgrades are planned to meet increasing travel demand.

Places To Visit Nearby: Kuressaare Castle, Kaali Meteorite Crater, Panga Cliffs
Nearby Hotels: Georg Ots Spa Hotel, Grand Rose SPA Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Hafen, Saaremaa Veski

6. Kihnu Airport

Avies Jetstream aircraft on the runway, silhouetted against a stunning golden sunset sky

Photo: Ivo Kruusamägi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kihnu Airport is a small airstrip on Kihnu Island, Estonia’s seventh-largest island in the Gulf of Riga. It features a 600-metre unpaved runway, serving light aircraft and medevac flights. The airport plays a vital role in providing emergency transport, especially in winter when ferry services are suspended. Primarily handling domestic flights, it occasionally welcomes charter flights carrying tourists interested in Kihnu’s unique cultural heritage. Despite its minimal infrastructure and lack of passenger terminals, it remains an essential lifeline for the island’s 600 residents.

Places To Visit Nearby: Kihnu Museum, Kihnu Lighthouse, St. Nicholas Church
Nearby Hotels: Rock City Kihnu, Kuraga Homestay
Nearby Restaurants: Kihnu Küek, Lohkva Sadama Kohvik

7. Ruhnu Airfield

An An-28 aircraft of Air Livonia is parked at Ruhnu airfield under a clear sky and trees

Photo: Sirujs Enobs / Wikimedia Commons

Ruhnu Airfield is a small yet vital airport located on Ruhnu Island in the Gulf of Riga, Estonia. It serves as the island’s primary connection to the mainland, with a 600-metre grass runway suitable only for small aircraft. Regular domestic flights operate to Pärnu and Kuressaare, often using Britten-Norman Islander planes. Essential for medical evacuations and logistics, especially in winter when sea travel is difficult, the airfield supports the island’s 60 permanent residents and seasonal visitors despite its basic facilities.

Places To Visit Nearby: St. Magdalene Church, Ruhnu Beach, Ruhnu Lighthouse
Nearby Hotels: Ruhnu Holiday House, Ruhnu Kalamaja
Nearby Restaurants: Ruhnu Küla Kohvik, Ruhnu Pagar

Airports in Estonia offer excellent service and modern facilities, ensuring smooth travel across the country. From the bustling Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport to the peaceful Kuressaare Airport, they provide convenient access to historic cities and beautiful islands. Plan your journey with TripXL for a seamless experience. Book your flights easily and discover the best Estonia has to offer with confidence.

Cover Photo: calflier001 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Estonia has only one main international airport, namely the Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport.
Visit Estonia in the summer, June - August, for warm weather or in the winter, December - February, for the snowy experience.
The largest airport in Estonia is the Tallinn Airport or Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. Nordica is the national airline of Estonia.
Tallinn Airport is served by several airlines, including airBaltic, Ryanair, NyxAir, SunExpress, Finnair, and Wizz Air. Ryanair offers direct flights to 10 cities.
Yes, Tallinn Airport has a business lounge with free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and workspaces. Access is free for business class passengers and loyalty members; others can pay a fee. Smaller airports like Tartu, Pärnu, and Kuressaare offer basic facilities but no lounges.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month