Why Does Stockholm Have So Many Airports?

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, boasts a remarkably high number of airports relative to its population. With a relatively small population of 988,943 residents as of the end of 2023, Stockholm is served by four different airports, resulting in one airport per 243,888 inhabitants. This is in stark contrast to London, which has six airports serving a much larger population of 8.78 million, or one airport per 1.46 million people.

The Intercontinental Hub

The largest and most significant of Stockholm's airports is Arlanda (ARN). Opened in April 1962, Arlanda serves as an intercontinental hub and one of the main bases for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The airport is equipped with three runways and four passenger terminals, facilitating long-haul routes and numerous international connections. In 2024, Arlanda is scheduled to handle 173,131 flights, offering nearly 29 million seats. Major airlines operating here include SAS, Norwegian Air Sweden, and Ryanair.

The City Center Option

Stockholm Bromma (BMA) offers a closer alternative to the city center, located just 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) away. Opened in 1936, Bromma primarily handles domestic flights with regional carriers such as Braathens and Nyxair, and a few international flights by Finnair. Despite its convenience, the airport's future is uncertain, with plans to potentially close it between 2025 and 2027 to make way for housing developments.

Low-Cost Bases Further Away

Further from the city, Stockholm is also served by Västerås (VST) and Skavsta (NYO) airports. Västerås, located 110 kilometers (70 miles) west of Stockholm, narrowly avoided closure and continues to operate Ryanair routes. Skavsta, 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of the city, is a hub for low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and Norwegian Air Sweden. Despite their distance from Stockholm, these airports provide essential budget travel options for passengers.

In Conclusion

The high number of airports in Stockholm reflects the city's strategic importance as a travel hub, balancing international connections, domestic convenience, and budget travel options. While Arlanda handles the bulk of long-haul and international traffic, Bromma offers city-center convenience, and Västerås and Skavsta cater to low-cost travelers. This multifaceted approach ensures that Stockholm remains well-connected and accessible for a variety of travel needs.