When was Arlanda built and why is it called Arlanda?
Opening dates, the naming contest and key milestones.
Short answer
Arlanda was officially opened on 1 April 1962 by King Gustav VI Adolf, after the first runway opened in 1959. The name Arlanda comes from Arland, the local name of the Husby-Ärlinghundra parish where the airport lies, proposed by the jury after a 1958 naming contest produced no usable name.
Why
- According to Swedavia, Stockholm-Arlanda was officially declared open on 1 April 1962.
- Swedavia says the first scheduled flight, an SAS DC-8 to New York, left on 26 June 1960.
- Swedavia explains that the jury proposed Arlanda itself, because locals called the Husby-Ärlinghundra parish Arland.
Details
Terminal 5 was the original international terminal, and Terminal 2 was rebuilt and reopened in May 2013, according to Swedavia. For the airport today, see Arlanda and the alternatives. The wider choice of flights is in airports and flights to Sweden.
Tip
Arriving from outside the EU? Read what to declare to customs at Arlanda before you land.
What may differ
The opening date depends on what you count: the first runway opened in 1959, the first scheduled flight left in 1960 and the official opening was in 1962.
Common misconception
Arlanda opened in 1960, when the first scheduled flight left.
What actually happens
The first scheduled flight left on 26 June 1960, but Swedavia says the airport was officially opened on 1 April 1962.
People also ask
- When was Arlanda Airport built?
- Why is Arlanda called Arlanda?
Sources
- Swedavia: About Stockholm Arlanda AirportChecked at:
- Swedavia: Welcome to Stockholm Arlanda AirportChecked at:
Information checked on 28 October 2026.
Arlanda and the alternativesRelated questions
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Do you get compensation for a delayed Snälltåget train?
Yes, Snälltåget pays 25% of the ticket price if you arrive 60 to 119 minutes late and 50% if you arrive 120 minutes or more late.
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Where does Viking Line leave from in Stockholm?
Viking Line ferries leave from the Stadsgården terminal in Stockholm, at Tegelvikshamn, SE-11630 Stockholm, according to Ports of Stockholm and Viking Line.
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What is the 'försalong' on Destination Gotland?
On Destination Gotland, the försalong is a lounge with reclining seats where films are shown on monitors during the crossing.
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Is the Arlanda Express included in an SAS ticket?
Arlanda Express sells its own train tickets, and its price list, its ticket terms and Swedavia's train page mention no SAS or other airline ticket that includes the ride.