France is one of the world’s most visited countries, known for its rich culture, economic power, and diverse landscapes. Its aviation network plays a vital role in connecting millions of travelers every year, not only to global destinations but also across its many regions. The list of airports in France includes major international hubs that serve as gateways for intercontinental travel as well as smaller domestic airports that ensure accessibility within the country. Together, they create a well-structured transport system that supports France’s tourism, trade, and business sectors.
Table of Contents
- List of Airports in France
- International Airports in France
- Domestic Airports in France
- Summary Table of Airports in France
- Top 10 Busiest Airports in France
- Importance of Airports in France
- Challenges Facing Airports in France
- Future Outlook for Airports in France
- Conclusion
International Airports in France
1. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The largest airport in France and the second-busiest in Europe, Paris Charles de Gaulle serves as the main hub for Air France and connects to destinations worldwide.
2. Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
Located south of Paris, Orly Airport handles international and domestic traffic, focusing on European and long-haul flights.
3. Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Lyon Airport is an important international gateway in southeastern France, serving Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
4. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
As the main airport of the French Riviera, Nice Airport is a key hub for tourism, handling millions of passengers annually.
5. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Marseille Airport serves as a major international and regional hub for southern France, with routes across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
6. Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Toulouse Airport, located in a city known for aerospace industries, serves both international and domestic routes across Europe and beyond.
7. Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux Airport connects international travelers with wine regions, trade hubs, and business centers.
8. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Nantes Airport is a western hub handling domestic and European international flights, supporting tourism and business.
9. Lille Airport (LIL)
Lille Airport provides international links to neighboring European countries, complementing high-speed rail access in northern France.
10. Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
Strasbourg Airport serves northeastern France, linking to European cities and contributing to cross-border commerce.
Domestic Airports in France
1. Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA)
Located in Corsica, this airport is vital for domestic travel, linking the island with mainland France.
2. Bastia – Poretta Airport (BIA)
Also in Corsica, Bastia Airport primarily serves domestic flights, catering to tourism and regional development.
3. Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY)
Calvi Airport connects Corsica with mainland French cities, supporting tourism and cultural exchange.
4. Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE)
This central France airport handles domestic routes, linking the region with Paris and other major hubs.
5. Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF)
Located in southwestern France, Pau Airport serves domestic travelers and supports regional industries.
6. Limoges – Bellegarde Airport (LIG)
A small domestic airport in central France, Limoges connects passengers with Paris and other urban centers.
7. Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF)
Perpignan Airport serves domestic flights and boosts southern France’s connectivity.
8. Lorient South Brittany Airport (LRT)
Lorient Airport focuses on domestic routes, supporting travel within Brittany and other regions.
9. Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
Situated in western France, Brest Airport supports domestic traffic to Paris and other national hubs.
10. Quimper–Cornouaille Airport (UIP)
This domestic airport in Brittany ensures local connectivity with larger French airports.
Summary Table of Airports in France
This represents the list of airports in France, along with their Names and key notes:
| Airport | Category | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | International | France’s largest and busiest airport |
| Paris Orly (ORY) | International | Major hub for European and long-haul flights |
| Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS) | International | Southeastern gateway for global routes |
| Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) | International | Main airport of the French Riviera |
| Marseille Provence (MRS) | International | Southern France hub with wide connections |
| Toulouse–Blagnac (TLS) | International | Aerospace hub with strong European routes |
| Bordeaux–Mérignac (BOD) | International | Serves wine regions and business centers |
| Nantes Atlantique (NTE) | International | Key hub for western France |
| Lille (LIL) | International | Northern France hub with European links |
| Strasbourg (SXB) | International | Northeastern airport for cross-border travel |
| Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA) | Domestic | Connects Corsica to mainland France |
| Bastia – Poretta (BIA) | Domestic | Domestic hub for Corsica tourism |
| Calvi Sainte-Catherine (CLY) | Domestic | Supports Corsican tourism and travel |
| Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne (CFE) | Domestic | Links central France to Paris |
| Pau Pyrénées (PUF) | Domestic | Serves southwestern industries and tourism |
| Limoges – Bellegarde (LIG) | Domestic | Small hub for central France |
| Perpignan–Rivesaltes (PGF) | Domestic | Supports southern domestic travel |
| Lorient South Brittany (LRT) | Domestic | Links Brittany with domestic hubs |
| Brest Bretagne (BES) | Domestic | Domestic hub in western France |
| Quimper–Cornouaille (UIP) | Domestic | Ensures connectivity in Brittany |
Top 10 Busiest Airports in France
1. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Handles over 70 million passengers annually, serving as France’s main global hub.
2. Paris Orly Airport (ORY) – The second-busiest, focusing on domestic and European flights.
3. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – A leading airport for tourism, especially in the Riviera.
4. Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) – Important southeastern hub with growing traffic.
5. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) – Busy southern hub for business and tourism.
6. Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) – Serves aerospace industries and strong domestic demand.
7. Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) – Major hub for wine tourism and business.
8. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) – Handles millions of passengers with European routes.
9. Lille Airport (LIL) – Serves northern France with domestic and international traffic.
10. Strasbourg Airport (SXB) – A regional hub for business and cross-border links.
Importance of Airports in France
Airports in France play a vital role in the country’s economy by connecting regions with international markets, promoting tourism, and strengthening trade. International airports act as gateways for millions of global travelers, while domestic airports ensure local accessibility across France’s diverse regions. This balance sustains national development and enhances France’s position as a global travel hub.
Challenges Facing Airports in France
Despite their strengths, airports in France face challenges such as congestion at Paris hubs, environmental concerns, and the need for modernization in smaller domestic airports. Seasonal passenger fluctuations in tourist destinations also create operational challenges. Adopting sustainable practices and balancing high-speed rail competition remain important for long-term stability.
Future Outlook for Airports in France
The future of French airports is geared towards innovation, sustainability, and regional growth. Investments in eco-friendly airport operations, improved passenger services, and expansion projects at key hubs are already underway. With air traffic expected to rise steadily, airports in France will remain central to both domestic mobility and international connectivity.
SEE ALSO: Cheapest Cities in France for Students to Live and Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Go through these FAQ on the List of Airports in France For a better understanding:
1. How many international airports are there in France?
France has more than 10 major international airports, with Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly being the busiest.
2. What is the largest airport in France?
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the largest and busiest airport in France, handling over 70 million passengers annually.
3. Which French airport is closest to the French Riviera?
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) serves as the main gateway to the French Riviera.
4. Are there domestic airports in Corsica?
Yes, Corsica has several domestic airports including Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi that connect the island to mainland France.
5. Which airport in France is best for wine tourism?
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the main hub for travelers exploring France’s famous wine regions.
6. What is the main domestic airport in central France?
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE) serves as the primary domestic airport in central France.
7. Do French airports connect well with high-speed rail?
Yes, many airports such as Lyon–Saint Exupéry and Paris Charles de Gaulle have direct TGV high-speed rail connections.
8. Which airport in France is busiest for seasonal tourism?
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the busiest for seasonal tourism, especially in summer months.
9. Are there airports in Brittany, France?
Yes, airports like Brest Bretagne (BES), Lorient (LRT), and Quimper (UIP) serve Brittany with domestic routes.
10. What challenges do French airports face today?
French airports face congestion, environmental sustainability demands, and competition from high-speed rail services.
Conclusion
The list of airports in France reflects a balanced aviation system that combines world-class international hubs with an extensive domestic network. Paris airports dominate global travel, while smaller regional airports ensure accessibility across the country. With ongoing modernization and sustainability efforts, France’s airports will continue to support tourism, trade, and development for years to come.