Top 10 Busiest Airports in France- A Detailed Analysis
France is home to several major airports that handle millions of passengers each year, making it a key player in global air travel. These airports are not only crucial for international connectivity but also serve as vital hubs for domestic flights, tourism, and commerce. Here are the top 10 busiest airports in France, along with detailed information about their passenger handling capacity, number of flights, and the unique services and features that make them stand out:
1. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located in Roissy-en-France, is the largest and busiest airport in France. As a major international hub, CDG handles over 70 million passengers annually and offers connections to destinations worldwide.
Named after the French statesman Charles de Gaulle, the airport features three terminals, extensive shopping and dining options, and state-of-the-art facilities. It serves as the primary hub for Air France and a key point of entry for international travelers visiting Paris and beyond.
Location: 95700 Roissy-en-France, France
Passenger Handling: 68,309,121 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 500 daily flights
Specialties: The largest airport in France and the second busiest in Europe, serving as a major hub for international flights.
2. Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the second busiest airport in France, located about 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris. Handling over 30 million passengers annually, ORY serves as a crucial hub for domestic and international flights. The airport boasts two main terminals with extensive shopping, dining, and passenger services. Known for its efficiency and convenience, Paris Orly offers easy access to central Paris via public transportation. It serves as a key gateway to the French capital, complementing the larger Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Location: Orly, France
Passenger Handling: 32,292,348 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 300 daily flights
Specialties: A secondary airport for Paris, handling both domestic and international flights.
3. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the third busiest airport in France, located in the vibrant city of Nice on the French Riviera. Handling over 13 million passengers annually, NCE offers two terminals with flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.
Renowned for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea upon takeoff and landing, it serves as a key gateway to the luxurious French Riviera and Monaco. The airport provides a range of amenities, including shopping, dining, and business facilities, making it a convenient and attractive hub for travelers from around the world.
Location: 9 Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06200 Nice, France
Passenger Handling: 13,850,561 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 200 daily flights
Specialties: A major gateway to the French Riviera, popular for both leisure and business travel.
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4. Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is a major international airport located in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Handling over 11 million passengers annually, it serves as a key hub for domestic and international flights.
Named after the famous French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the airport features modern amenities, including shopping, dining, and business facilities. With efficient transport links to Lyon city center and other regional destinations, LYS provides a convenient gateway for travelers exploring southeastern France.
Location: 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, France
Passenger Handling: 11,037,698 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 150 daily flights
Specialties: A key airport for business travel and a hub for domestic flights.
5. Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) is a prominent international airport located in Toulouse, Occitanie, France. Handling over 9 million passengers annually, it serves as a key hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is crucial for the aerospace industry, given its proximity to Airbus headquarters. TLS features modern amenities, including shopping, dining, and business facilities, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
Location: Toulouse, Occitanie, France
Passenger Handling: 9,630,308 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 100 daily flights
Specialties: An important airport for the aerospace industry and domestic travel.
6. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is a major international airport located in Marignane, near Marseille, France. Handling over 9 million passengers annually, it serves as a key gateway to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The airport features two terminals catering to both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of amenities including shopping, dining, and business services. Known for its efficiency and excellent transport links, MRS provides easy access to Marseille city center and surrounding areas, making it a convenient hub for travelers exploring southern France.
Location: 13700 Marignane, France
Passenger Handling: 9,390,371 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 100 daily flights
Specialties: A major hub for Mediterranean destinations and domestic flights.
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7. Bâle-Mulhouse Airport (MLH)
Bâle-Mulhouse Airport (MLH), also known as EuroAirport, is a unique international airport located in Saint-Louis, near the borders of France, Switzerland, and Germany. Handling over 8 million passengers annually, it serves as a crucial hub for travelers in the tri-national region.
With its strategic location and efficient operations, Bâle-Mulhouse Airport offers convenient access to major cities like Basel, Mulhouse, and Freiburg, making it an essential gateway for exploring Central Europe.
Location: Boite postale, 60120, 68300 Saint-Louis, France
Passenger Handling: 8,573,705 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 90 daily flights
Specialties: A cross-border airport serving both France and Switzerland.
8. Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD) is an international airport located in Mérignac, near Bordeaux, France. Handling over 6 million passengers annually, it serves as a key gateway to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The airport features modern amenities, including shopping, dining, and business services, catering to both domestic and international flights. BOD is known for its efficient operations and excellent transport links to Bordeaux city center and nearby destinations.
Location: 33700 Mérignac, France
Passenger Handling: 6,799,572 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 80 daily flights
Specialties: A growing airport with increasing international connections.
9. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is a major international airport located near Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region of France. Handling over 6 million passengers annually, it serves as a key gateway to western France. The airport features modern amenities, including shopping, dining, and business services, and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. With efficient transport links to Nantes city center and other regional destinations, NTE provides a convenient and accessible hub for travelers exploring the Loire Valley and beyond.
Location: 44346 Bouguenais, France
Passenger Handling: 6,199,181 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 70 daily flights
Specialties: A key airport for domestic and European flights.
10. Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) is an international airport located near Beauvais, in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Known for serving low-cost carriers, BVA handles over 3 million passengers annually. It primarily operates budget flights, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking affordable options to and from Paris, located about 85 kilometers away. The airport features basic amenities, including shopping, dining, and transport services connecting to central Paris.
Location: Rte de l’Aéroport, 60000 Tillé, France
Passenger Handling: 3,787,086 (2023)
Number of Flights: Over 50 daily flights
Specialties: A secondary airport for Paris, primarily handling low-cost carriers.
Conclusion
These top 10 busiest airports in France play a crucial role in the country’s transportation network, handling millions of passengers and flights each year. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these airports offer a range of services and connections to help you reach your destination smoothly.
Image Credits- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
