Map - Portorož Airport (Portorož Airport)

Portorož Airport (Aerodrom Portorož) is the smallest of three international airports in Slovenia. It is located near the village of Sečovlje, 6 km south of Portorož, and less than 300 m from the Croatian border. The airport was opened on 27 September 1962. In addition to Portorož, the airport serves a number of other tourist destinations in the region, including Piran, Izola, Koper in Slovenia, Trieste in Italy and Umag in Croatia.

The airport is intended for passenger and cargo transport, sport, tourist and business flights. It lies at two metres above sea level, the runway measures 1205 ×.

As in the case of the development of many airports, Portorož Airport had a humble beginning. In 1962, ground preparations are initially made for the creation of a sports airport with a 400 m grass runway. However, in response to the LZJ decision to allow the third Adriatic Parachute Cup competitions to take place in Portorož the following year, the plans for the grass runway are ultimately changed and the runway is extended to 800 m. On 27 September 1962, a flight inspection team examine Portorož Airport and recommend the issuance of a six-month temporary registration, which would classify it as a secondary sports airport, permitting the landing of aircraft weighing up to 3,000 kg. The following year, on 3 April 1963, Aero club Piran is formed. Later in 1963, the third Adriatic Parachute Cup competitions are held.

On 28 January 1971, the city of Piran decides to build an international sports airport at Portorož Airport. In July of the same year, the airport location is approved and the subsequent construction permits are issued for the construction and reconfiguration of the runway: 700 m long and 20 m wide (2,297 ft. long and 66 ft. wide). On 24 January 1972, the airfield construction and reconfiguration works are completed. The following year, 12 February 1973, the ZUCZP grants permission to register and license Portorož Airport for aviation sports purposes.

Further development of the airport continues, and in January 1975, the Coast Flight Centre is established. Later in 1975, construction work begins on a runway refurbishment and extension project. The first building phase of the airport terminal and platform is also initiated. The following year, on 21 August 1976, the airport re-enters full operations after construction works at the airport are completed. These include an enhancement to the runway, which is extended to 850 m and widened to 28 m - as well as the construction of an apron. Work is also completed on the first phase of the airport terminal and platform. On 1 October 1978, Portorož Airport is formally re-opened and entered into the register of airports and the register for panoramic flights. In 1979, a 400 m2 aircraft hangar is constructed and the first C-172 aircraft is purchased.

Portorož Airport gained the status of a commercial passenger airport, when on 2 June 1980, the Federal Authority for Transport and Communications issues a permit that allows the airport to be operated as a category "D" airport for civilian use in both domestic and international flights. Upgrades to the airport continue, and in the same year, a fueling station, which supplies Avgas 100LL, is built. On 1 May 1981, an Aero Commander 500 (Turbo Commander) aircraft carrying 9 passengers lands from Passau. Also in 1981, the airport facilities are further expanded and include the construction of a control tower, border crossing, meteo and FIO. In 1983, the first Dash 7 lands at the airport. On 24 April 1984, the runway is lengthened to 1,200 m, and widened to 30 m. The following year, on 20 July 1984, the airport is registered to handle Dash-7 aircraft. On 20 March 1986, construction work is completed on a technical aircraft hangar and airport fire station. In 1989, in order to facilitate night operations, runway lighting and an approach lighting system in the vicinity of the airport are installed. As a consequence, on 21 March 1989, the Federal Secretary for Transport and Communication issues a permit, which allows night operations. Also, the ICAO classification 2C is established and the fire station receives a category 4 designation. Furthermore, a permit is issued for take-offs and landings of aircraft with a maximum weight of 27 tonnes (54,900 lbs.).

Investment in Portorož Airport continued, and on 15 April 1991, the Casino Touristic Company Turistično podjetje p.o. Portorož adopt a memorandum of understanding and form a limited liability company: Aerodrom Portorož d.o.o. From 13 to 16 May 2004, aviation enthusiasts are welcomed at Portorož Airport, where the Aviatica general aviation air show takes place. Later that year, on 1 July 2004, Aerodrom Portorož d.o.o. signs an agreement with its new partners: The Municipality of Piran; Aerodrom Ljubljana, d.d.; Istrabenz, holdinška družba, d.d.; and Luka Koper, d.d. (Port of Koper). The recapitalisation plan is intended to facilitate further development of the airport in the near future.

The entire airport is scheduled to undergo renovation in the near future. Moreover, there are plans for Portorož Airport's single runway to be lengthened to 1,800 m and widened to 45 m, in order to facilitate the handling of larger aircraft such as the Boeing 757-200.