A vortex generator apparatus for an aircraft includes a surface section having a receiving recess, a vortex generator having a first edge, an opposite second edge and a vortex generator surface component extending from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the first edge is fixedly arranged in or adjacent to the receiving recess. The vortex generator surface component includes at least one electroactive polymer assembly, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer is switchable into an extended state by applying an electrical voltage and into a neutral state by removing the electrical voltage. The electroactive polymer assembly and the vortex generator surface component are configured to retract the vortex generator surface component completely into the receiving recess in the neutral state of the electroactive polymer assembly and to extend the vortex generator surface component from the receiving recess in the extended state.