hidden europe 5

Where is Poprad?

by Nicky Gardner

Summary

A small airport in the Slovakian High Tatras reopens for business.

Within the next few weeks, visitors to London's Stansted airport will scan the computer screens detailing upcoming departures and many will ask the same question: 'Where is Poprad?' For one of Europe's more obscure airports is about to return to visibility in the airline schedules. Poprad is one of the highest airports anywhere in Europe. True, it may not rival Engadin Airport at Samedan in eastern Switzerland, which is over 1700 metres above sea level. But Poprad's long concrete runway lies under the shadow of the Slovakian High Tatras, and the advent of direct international flights to the tiny airport opens up a range of new travel options.