A new transport concept with more trains and buses is intended to “ease” the arrival and departure of visitors and reduce traffic jams on federal highways and the Murtal expressway (S36). Around 150,000 visitors are expected each day. The weather on Friday morning: low-hanging clouds and a light, but easing, drizzle.
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The army’s weather service predicted that the rain showers would stop during the morning. An army officer was also able to see a positive side to the cool rain from the sky: it would reduce the amount of dust on the paths and meadows. The flight program was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Over 200 aircraft were announced. In addition to historic aircraft, the most modern fifth-generation fighter jets such as the US F-35 Lightning II can also be admired. Around 60 aircraft – including large cargo planes such as the Airbus A-400 or the tried-and-tested C-130 Hercules – can be seen in the air or on the static display. The static display also featured veterans and their presumptive successors: In front of the control tower stood a Saab 105Ö, which the Austrian Army had retired in 2020, and one of the possible successors for which the purchase decision was soon to be made, an Alenia Aermacchi M-346 from the Italian defense company Leonardo.
Careful controls
By 6 a.m., a number of visitors were already on their way to Hinterstoisser Air Base, by car and by train. Despite the early hour and darkness, the entrances were meticulously checked, and visitors had to open all compartments of their bags and backpacks. Two German fans said they had traveled by car from Göttingen on Thursday and had spent the night in Unzmarkt, west of Zeltweg. On Friday morning, they arrived at Zeltweg station on a commuter train: “It was pretty empty, it went well.”
The Styrian police reported on X (formerly Twitter) at around 7 a.m.: “Please have your accreditations and parking tickets ready in good time or in a clearly visible place. This will prevent lengthy discussions with parking attendants and speed up the flow of traffic.” However, traffic jams and delays are unavoidable with the expected crowds, according to the police. At this time, the Murtal expressway (S36) near Zeltweg was still easily passable, but queues were already forming in front of the parking lots. The first – and well-used – shuttle trains from the P&R spaces arrived at Zeltweg station just before 8 a.m.
A total of around 300,000 visitors are expected on both days. The Federal Army and emergency services are prepared for both the volume of traffic and disruption by climate activists or in the area of security, it was said in advance. According to the organizers, Airpower generates around ten million euros in added value in Styria alone. Around 6,500 employees – including 3,480 soldiers – ensure that the event runs smoothly, which aims to reduce waste and CO2 emissions every year. The organizers are splitting the event’s costs of 4.2 million euros by a third.
Source: Nachrichten
