Basel Airport Terminal
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is a unique international airport serving the tri-national region of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Here’s an expanded and improved overview of the airport:
History and Location
The airport was inaugurated on May 8, 1946, as Basel-Mulhouse Airport. It is located in France, 3.5 km northwest of Basel (Switzerland), 20 km southeast of Mulhouse (France), and 46 km south of Freiburg (Germany). The airport’s unique status is governed by a Franco-Swiss treaty signed in 1949.
Terminal Structure and Layout
The passenger terminal has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years:
- In 2000-2001, the finger dock was extended to form a Y-shaped dock with about 25 aircraft stands
- The terminal was enlarged and modernized between 2002 and 2005
- By early 2013, the old middle part of the terminal was rebuilt to match the modern new buildings
The terminal operates from 04:00 AM to midnight. Plan your arrival accordingly, especially for early morning or late-night flights
Terminal Layout
The terminal is divided into five main levels, with some sources mentioning a sixth level:
- Basement (Level 1): Houses car parks and parking facilities.
- Ground Floor (Level 2): Dedicated to arrivals. It features passport control, lost and found desks, and duty-free shops.
- Level 3: Check-in area, divided into halls 1-4. The French part contains check-in counters 1-32, while the Swiss part houses check-in counters 42-52 and 61-81.
- Level 4: Departure area with access to boarding gates 1-87. This level also includes some dining options like Bert’s and Columbus Café & Co.
- Level 5: Primarily a dining area, including restaurants like La Brasserie du 5.
- Level 6: Business center (mentioned in some sources, but not consistently across all).
Sector Division
The terminal is uniquely divided into French and Swiss sectors on the landside:
- A cross-border passageway connects Hall 2 (French sector) and Hall 3 (Swiss sector).
- This division allows for separate French and Swiss customs and immigration procedures
If you’re flying with easyJet, note that they typically use the Swiss part of the airport
Services and Amenities
Food and Shopping
The airport offers a variety of restaurants, fast food options, and retail outlets in both the Swiss and French sectors.
- Trib’s: On level 2 arrivals, French sector. Open from 07:00 to 22:30. Offers bakery items, sandwiches, salads, draft beers, and coffee.
- Weckmann: On level 3 departures, Swiss sector. Open from 04:00 to 19:00 (until 20:00 on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays). Serves burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
- Bert’s: On level 4. Open from 04:15 to 21:00. Fast food restaurant with cold and hot sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
- Columbus Café & Co: On level 4 - Jetway. Open from 04:30 until the last flight of the day.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can connect to ’Free_EuroAirport_WiFi’ and surf for up to 24 hours.
Family Facilities
A kids’ corner is located throughout the terminal area, providing entertainment for children.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange services are available in International Arrivals, International Departures, and on Level 3 in both French and Swiss sectors. ATMs are also available throughout the terminal.
Other Services
- Duty-free shopping
- Parenting rooms
- Car hire booths
- SBB counter (Swiss Federal Railways)
- Luggage wrapping
- Wheelchair rental service
- Showers
- Business center
- EuroAirport Skyview Lounge
Consider visiting the EuroAirport Skyview Lounge for a more exclusive experience. It’s open to all passengers with a valid boarding pass and offers complimentary snacks and beverages
Transportation and Parking
- Petrol stations are available 24/7 outside the airport in both French (car park F6) and Swiss (car park S3) sectors.
- Various parking options are available, including short-term and long-term parking.
Future Developments
The airport has announced plans for significant improvements:
- A new 80-million franc terminal building is planned, to be built on the eastern side of the current terminal
- The new terminal will house all security checks and allow for expansion and renovation of the old building
- Improvements will include more catering options, a shopping center accessible before security, and a revamped outdoor area
- Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the decade
Additionally, there are plans for a rail connection to the airport, although this is likely to be delayed until 2035
Passenger Traffic
In 2024, the airport welcomed 8.9 million passengers, an increase of 10.2% compared to the previous year, reaching 98% of 2019 level. For 2025, the airport is budgeting for 9.2 million passengers, which would exceed the 2019 level for the first time
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg continues to grow and improve its facilities, solidifying its position as a crucial international hub for the tri-national region.
Popular flights
Here’s the information about the most popular flights from Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport, written in English:
The Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL), also known as EuroAirport, is a significant hub for travelers looking to explore Europe and beyond. Below are some of the most popular flights departing from this airport:
Popular Flights from Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
- Basel (BSL) to Barcelona (BCN): This route is very popular, especially among tourists traveling between Switzerland and Spain. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Budapest (BUD): This connection is frequent and attractive for those interested in exploring Hungary’s rich history. The flight lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Istanbul (IST): This route is popular among travelers who want to combine European culture with Ottoman heritage. The flight takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Rome (FCO): Flights to Rome are ideal for those seeking to enjoy Italian history and architecture. The flight lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Amsterdam (AMS): This route is in high demand, especially among business travelers and tourists who want to explore the Netherlands. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Palma de Mallorca (PMI): During peak season, flights to Palma de Mallorca are very popular among tourists looking to enjoy sun and beach in Spain. The flight lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to London (LHR): This route is very frequent and attractive for travelers who want to visit the British capital. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Basel (BSL) to Antalya (AYT): Flights to Antalya are popular among tourists seeking to enjoy sun and beach in Turkey. The flight lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes.