Visby Airport names Geab chief Bengtsson as manager

Visby Airport has named Julius Bengtsson as its next airport manager, effective January 18, 2027. Bengtsson, currently president and CEO of Geab, brings extensive local business and energy-sector experience to the role, which is central to Gotland’s connectivity and climate-transition agenda.

Bengtsson’s Background

Bengtsson holds a Master of Science degree in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics. His career spans senior roles at Geab, including business development, operational development, and investment matters. Before Geab, he worked with business and operational development at Science Park Gotland and served as a management consultant in Stockholm.

Appreciation for Local Experience

“Bengtsson’s background in leadership and business development in customer-focused organisations will strengthen both Swedavia and Visby Airport,” said Karin Öhrström, Swedavia’s Director Regional Airports. “His appointment supports two key priorities for the airport: maintaining its connectivity role and advancing the transition to more sustainable air travel.”

Bengtsson echoed this sentiment, “The airport is central to regional accessibility and development. I look forward to working with airport colleagues and partners to strengthen Gotland while contributing to the climate transition.”

Related: A Guide to Choosing a Villa in Canggu for Your Next Trip

His appointment is not an isolated example of Swedavia tapping local talent. In 2011, the company selected Gunnar Jonasson, who also came from Geab, as the airport manager. Jonasson had previously served as marketing and communications manager at Geab before taking the airport leadership role, and his local business background was highlighted as an asset for strengthening accessibility to and from Gotland. Jonasson subsequently spent about 15 years guiding the airport before announcing his departure in 2026.

Visby Airport, about three and a half kilometers from central Visby, serves both regional and military aviation. Its traffic peaks during the summer tourism season, highlighting its importance to both residents and Gotland’s visitor economy.

Airport’s Sustainability Efforts

The airport has achieved the highest Airport Carbon Accreditation level (ACA5) and has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 99% between 2010 and 2025, excluding de-icing. Swedavia’s environmental information further notes that by the end of 2025, all permanent or recurring airport operators had transitioned to using fossil-free energy in their airport activities.

Bengtsson’s move coincides with significant changes at Geab, where Vattenfall is set to become the sole owner after acquiring Region Gotland’s 25% stake. Bengtsson will continue leading Geab throughout his notice period while work proceeds on this ownership transition. His appointment comes at a time when regional accessibility, tourism flows, and aviation’s climate transition are increasingly intertwined, placing those priorities under a leader whose recent career has been centred on another piece of the island’s critical infrastructure.