Lidköping-Hovby Airport (LDK)

Lidköping-Hovby Airport (LDK) operates as a civilian airfield located 5 kilometers outside Lidköping in Västra Götaland, Sweden, originally built by the Swedish Air Force in the 1940s and purchased by Lidköping Municipality in 2000 for civilian aviation use. The airport features a single runway designated 6/24 at 60.96 meters elevation and serves primarily general aviation operations following the relocation of Golden Air's Stockholm-Bromma flights to nearby Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport, eliminating scheduled passenger service. Terminal facilities emphasize functionality for general aviation users, with basic infrastructure supporting private aircraft, charter operations, and aviation training activities typical of small municipal airports in Sweden. Operational services at ESGL include jet fuel availability (subject to supply conditions) and standard ground handling for general aviation aircraft, with landing permits required though certain exclusions apply depending on flight operations. The airport serves as the home base for West Air Sweden's Technical and Operations departments, providing maintenance and operational support services for regional aviation activities. Limited ground transportation options necessitate advance arrangement of taxi services or private transportation, reflecting the airport's focus on general aviation rather than commercial passenger service. Lidköping-Hovby Airport maintains an important role in Sweden's general aviation infrastructure, supporting private aircraft operations, flight training, and business aviation serving the Västra Götaland region where it provides aviation access to this historic Swedish city known for its ceramic industry and Lake Vänern location. The facility's transition from military to civilian use exemplifies Sweden's approach to utilizing former military airfields for community aviation needs. Ground transportation from the airport connects to Lidköping city center and the broader West Sweden region, while the airport's capabilities support recreational flying, pilot training, and specialized aviation operations in this scenic area of central Sweden.