European airports experienced an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers in June of least year, witnessing over 5.6 million travellers in Frankfurt and 2.5 million in Copenhagen, marking a remarkable rebound since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Airports are often bustling with passengers in a hurry, children running around, constant boarding announcements, and long queues at check-in counters and boarding gates. This sheer volume of people can make it hard to feel like travellers are truly on vacation.
To avoid this stress, a study conducted by the Schengen information portal, utilising data from the car rental company Stressfreecarrental, suggests opting for destinations with fewer tourists and airports located close to the city centre. The study also considered parking costs at various European airports, as dealing with expensive parking fees can add to the stress of the journey.
As the top 10 least stressful European airports, the study lists:
- Billund, Denmark
- Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Menorca, Spain
- Hanover, Germany
- Newcastle, United Kingdom
- Corfu, Greece
- Trondheim, Norway
- Turin, Italy
- Cagliari, Italy
Northern Europe clearly emerges as a suitable option, though no Belgian airport was included in the ranking.
Consider a trip to Billund, Denmark, known to Lego fans for its Legoland park. In 2022, Billund Airport welcomed 3.7 million passengers, a stark contrast to London's Heathrow Airport, which hosted over 61 million travellers during the same period. The advantage of Billund lies in its proximity to the city centre, a mere 5.9 km away.
Airport restaurants
One minor drawback for the Billund Airport is its limited restaurant variety, offering only five restaurants compared to nine at Luxembourg Airport and ten at Vilnius Airport. It is also worth noting that Vilnius Airport is conveniently located just 6.4 km away from the city centre.
If you've previously explored European countries and wish to minimise airport stress, you could also consider the Mediterranean rim, offering numerous airport choices that will not overwhelm you with crowds or stressful arrangements.
By selecting a stress-free airport, you can start your vacation on a more relaxed note, setting the stage for a memorable and enjoyable holiday experience.
