Hannover Airport

Hannover Airport has a dedicated General Aviation Terminal (GAT) on the north apron, separate from the commercial terminals. Private arrivals clear customs and passport control at the GAT, with handling handled by on-site FBOs. The facility is straightforward and efficient for business travelers who come regularly for trade fair events.

The airport is coordinated, meaning slots are required during peak periods. Hannover Messe, held each April, brings intense congestion across the entire airport. Slot availability tightens weeks in advance during that window, and ground delays are common. If your trip coincides with a major trade fair, book handling and slots early.

Night flight restrictions apply between 11pm and 6am local time. Exceptions exist for technical and cargo operations, but passenger charter flights are generally not permitted during this window. Plan departure and arrival times accordingly, especially on transatlantic itineraries routing through Germany.

The city center is 11 km southeast of the airport, roughly 20 minutes by car in normal traffic. Taxis are available curbside at the GAT; the fare to central Hannover runs approximately €25-35. Car rental desks are located in the terminal complex. The S5 S-Bahn line connects the airport to Hannover Hauptbahnhof in 17 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day, though most private passengers use car service. The Hannover Messe exhibition grounds are about 15 km from the airport, closer to 25-30 minutes by road during trade fair days.