I made my way out to Bolzano airport (BZO) with a local bus which dropped me in an unattractive suburb, from which I had to walk the last kilometer or so, down the airfield access road. On the way I joined some old men in a local café among the 1970s high rises, where I had a cappuccino, a chocolate brioche bun and two glasses of fruity white wine for just €4.40 (this sort of underlines what a total scam most of Italy is). I just made it to the tiny terminal of BZO airport before a heavy shower of rain from the thundery sky.


One single scheduled flight departing and arriving at Bolzano airport


The SkyAlps plane ready for departure to Kassel airport


My seat was 1A

Arriving in the terminal of tiny Bolzano airport BZO I realised that it is indeed possible for an airport to resemble paradise, although the policeman on duty at security respectfully disagreed with me! On the screen in the airport there was one single flight scheduled for departure, as well as one arrival later in the afternoon, and this was the flight I was about to take to Kassel airport in Germany. I was the only person at check-in and the the agent gave me the best seat on the plane, 1A. Even the waiting area after the easygoing security check was pleasant, with views of three SkyAlps planes waiting on the apron (although only one of them was going anywhere). Boarding was a calm affair and we walked out to the Q400 Dash 8 plane on the apron.


Lining up on the runway for the only scheduled departure today from Bolzano airport BZO


Crossing the Austrian Alps on our way north to Germany


Approaching Kassel Calden airport KSF

With only 26 passengers the plane wasn't exactly full and people were spread out with plenty of space. The flight attendant treated me like a business class passenger and although there wasn't a wine tasting on today's flight she offered me a local Bolzano beer, with the offer of another one later on in the flight. These were accompanied by the same local snacks as on the last flight, Tarulli cracker biscuits and Loacker chocolate wafers. The weather above the Südtirol and over the Tirol region of Austria was quite unsettled with a bit of turbulence during the climb. Later, as we approached the Kassel area there were views of the forested and agricultural landscape below. The only downside to the flight was an old man in the 3rd row who hobbled down the aisle no less than seven times to visit the toilet. While passing he explained in eloquent Italian what his problem was and what he was doing in there and then, presuming I didn't understand him, repeated the whole lot in eloquent German. We arrived somewhat ahead of schedule at a sunny and quiet Kassel Calden airport (KSF) and I had some time to wait for the bus into Kassel itself.

Rating 8.5*
Seat 16D - 1A
Aircraft DH4
Registration 8H-ALE


Inflight catering on the BZO-KSF flight with SkyAlps


Kassel airport KSF is also a bit of a paradise


Exterior of KSF Kassel airport