Helgoland: Flight connections stand still until July - only sea path remains!

Helgoland: Flight connections stand still until July - only sea path remains!

Helgoland, the enchanting North Sea island, is very popular with vacationers, especially in the summer season. Around 50 kilometers from the coast, it not only attracts sun worshipers, but also nature lovers with its unique offers. But this year the island is faced with an unexpected challenge: air traffic was temporarily stopped.

The Ostfriesische Flug-Service GmbH (OFD) has released its line flights to Helgoland until further notice, since the new aircraft, which was originally supposed to be put into operation at the 2025 season, have to wait for the approval of the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). The modern TECNAM P2006T machines that are supposed to replace the old Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders must not start yet. While the retraining of the crews have already been completed and the new machines have been delivered, travelers have to switch to boat rides for the time being. aerointernational reports that a return to the old fleet is not possible due to the degraded spare parts stock.

The journey by ship

The way to the island is now only possible via the sea route. From the port of Cuxhaven, several ships leave the systems every day to bring vacationers to Helgoland. The "Helgoland" seaside ship needs about 2.5 hours for the crossing, while the catamaran "Northern Light" and the "Halunder Jet", which starts from Hamburg, each take around 75 minutes. In the high season, however, travelers should prepare for longer waiting times, since the ticket offer may be in great demand.

Helgoland still remains a worthwhile destination for tourists. Some shipping companies offer regular connections during the summer season and make the journey as pleasant as possible. There are usually all year round flight connections, but this is currently not feasible due to the technical conditions. On the website of the Helgoland Tourismus-Service there is further information and support for arrival as well as the search for accommodation.

The future of flights

The OFD expects the LBA approval to receive the air traffic to Helgoland by the end of July 2025. Until then, the water trip remains the only way to reach the island. The new TECNAM P2006T offer fewer space - only four passengers including a pilot compared to ten seats in the old machines - but their introduction in the future will be considered necessary to meet the high demands on the landing slope of the island.

Whatever the situation develops, Helgoland is and remains a creative travel destination that is worth discovering. The mixture of fantastic nature, soothing sea and the unique island location attracts numerous visitors every year. While the sea route requires a little sensitivity, the land excursion is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.