Sion Airport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sion Airport
Aéroport de Sion
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| Serves | Sion, Switzerland | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 483 m / 1,585 ft | ||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 46°13′10.53″N 7°19′36.35″E / 46.2195917°N 7.3267639°E | ||||||||||||||
| Website | sionairport.ch | ||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||
 SIR
Location in Switzerland
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Sion Airport is an important airport located near the city of Sion in Switzerland. It is about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) southwest of Sion, right in the beautiful Rhône Valley. This airport helps people travel by air and also serves as a base for military aircraft. It first opened its doors in 1935.
Contents
What is Sion Airport?
Sion Airport is a place where airplanes take off and land. It is used for both civilian flights and military operations. This means you might see regular passenger planes as well as military jets here.
Civilian Flights
For everyday travelers, Sion Airport offers flights to different places. It is often used for private jets and charter flights. This allows people to fly directly to Sion for holidays or business trips.
Military Use
The airport also plays a role in Switzerland's defense. It is a base for the Swiss Air Force, which uses it for training and other important missions. The military part of the airport is known by a special code: LSMS.
Location and Importance
Sion Airport is located in the Valais canton of Switzerland. The Rhône Valley is a key area for travel and tourism. The airport's location makes it easy for people to reach the nearby Alps for skiing or hiking.
Airport Codes
Every airport has special codes to identify it. Sion Airport has two main codes:
- SIR is its IATA code. This code is used by airlines and travel agencies. You will see it on your flight tickets and luggage tags.
- LSGS is its ICAO code for civilian flights. This code is used by air traffic controllers and pilots.
- LSMS is the ICAO code used specifically for military flights at Sion.
Airport Features
Sion Airport has different runways for aircraft. A runway is a long strip of land where planes take off and land.
Runways
The airport has two main runways:
- One runway is 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) long and is made of Asphalt. This is the main runway for most aircraft.
- The second runway is 555 meters (1,820 feet) long and is made of Grass. This shorter runway is often used by smaller planes or for specific training.
History of Sion Airport
Sion Airport has been operating for many years. It first opened in 1935. Over time, it has grown and adapted to new types of aircraft and travel needs. Its long history shows its importance to the region.
