Kaiserstuhl/Europapark International Airport EKED

The History of Kaiserstuhl/Europapark INTL Airport – EDKE The Kaiserstuhl/Europapark INTL Airport (EDKE) is a small airport in southwestern Germany. It has an 800-meter gravel runway, gravel taxiways, gravel parking areas, and only five gates. Originally, EDKE was built as a simple regional airfield. Because of the low construction costs, gravel was chosen instead of asphalt. In the beginning, the airport was mainly used by propeller aircraft, private planes, and small charter flights. As the nearby Europa-Park became more popular, the importance of the airport increased. It was eventually given the name Kaiserstuhl/Europapark INTL Airport. Despite its international name, EDKE remained deliberately small. Large passenger aircraft cannot use its short 800-meter runway. The airport has a small terminal with check-in, a waiting area, baggage handling, and five gates. Aircraft taxi to their parking positions using the gravel taxiways. During takeoff and landing, the aircraft create characteristic clouds of dust. The gravel runway must be regularly inspected, leveled, and compacted after heavy rain. Planned improvements mainly include better lighting, navigation equipment, and renovations to the terminal. EDKE is intended to keep its original character: small, simple, and featuring a gravel runway, gravel taxiways, and gravel parking areas – an unusual airport between the Kaiserstuhl and Europa-Park.