Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport

Welcome to Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport — the main air gateway to Corsica and the starting point for exploring this picturesque Mediterranean island. Named after its most famous native son, the airport welcomes travelers with an atmosphere of hospitality and a convenient, compact layout. Located on the coast, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountains upon landing, promising an unforgettable start to your Corsican adventure. It is the busiest airport on the island, serving as a vital hub for both local and international flights.

Ajaccio Airport is the base for the regional airline Air Corsica, which operates numerous flights connecting the island with mainland France. Thanks to its convenient location, you can reach the city center in just 15-20 minutes by bus or taxi. Despite its modest size, the airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey: there are several cafes, shops with Corsican souvenirs and delicacies, as well as car rental desks. The compactness of the terminal makes it intuitive, allowing you to quickly pass through all pre-flight formalities and leave more time to enjoy your final moments on the "Island of Beauty".

Below is the essential contact information for passengers departing from or arriving at Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA).

• Official Website: www.ajaccio.aeroport.fr — here you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +33 (0)4 95 23 56 56 — for general inquiries regarding airport operations.
• Address: Route de Campo dell'Oro, 20090 Ajaccio, France.
• Email: To contact the administration or airport services, it is recommended to use the official contact form available on the website.
• Social Media: Follow airport updates and news on its official social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged baggage, please contact the Baggage Service (Service Bagages) at +33 (0)4 95 23 56 31 or directly approach your airline representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most inquiries, passengers can contact the main information desk via phone or use the online form on the airport website.

Getting from the city of Ajaccio to Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), located just 7 kilometers from the center, can be done in several convenient ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The trip generally does not take much time — about 15-25 minutes by car.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the city bus. Route No. 8 operated by Muvistrada runs regularly between the Ajaccio Bus Station (Gare Routière) and the airport. Buses run approximately once an hour, and the journey takes about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent option for travelers with light luggage wishing to save money. The ticket cost is minimal compared to other modes of transport.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For those who value comfort and are traveling with a large amount of luggage, a taxi is the ideal solution. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the city center will cost approximately 20-25 Euros during the day, but the price may be higher at night, on weekends, and during public holidays. To avoid surprises and secure a fixed price, you can book a private transfer in advance. This option is particularly convenient for families and large groups.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to explore the picturesque corners of Corsica on your own, renting a car is the best choice. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at Ajaccio Airport. You can pick up and return the car directly at the airport. For those arriving in their own or a rented car, convenient parking lots are provided on the airport territory — for both short-term and long-term parking. It is secure and allows you not to worry about the safety of the vehicle during your absence.

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) is a compact and modern airport serving both domestic and international flights. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

The main feature of the airport is that it consists of a single passenger terminal. This building unifies all zones and services necessary for passenger service. As a result, there is no need to transfer between terminals — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place within a single space.

The terminal layout is logical. The ground floor houses the main zones:

• Departure Zone (Départs): Airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the security screening area. After passing control, passengers enter the secure area with boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone (Arrivées): Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the public hall. Right at the exit, there are car rental offices, a tourist information desk, and public transport stops.

Passing through pre-flight procedures at Ajaccio Airport usually does not take much time. On a standard day, check-in and security screening take about 20-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (from June to September), the airport can be busy, so it is recommended to arrive in advance — at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. In the secure area, there are several cafes and shops where you can comfortably wait for your flight.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the standard signs in French and English. Due to the small size of the airport, it is practically impossible to get lost. The entire path from entering the building to the boarding gate is intuitive and will not cause any difficulties.

The history of Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport is closely intertwined with key events of the 20th century on Corsica. The airfield was founded in 1938 on the Campo dell'Oro plain, which translates as "Field of Gold," and was initially used for military purposes. With the outbreak of World War II, its strategic importance increased, and it served as a vital airbase for various air forces participating in Mediterranean operations.

After the war ended, a new chapter in the airport's history began. With the growing popularity of Corsica as a tourist destination, there was an urgent need to develop civil aviation. In 1959, the first passenger terminal was built, officially opening Ajaccio's air gates to commercial flights. This became a turning point that contributed to economic development and an increase in the flow of tourists to the southern part of the island.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the airport constantly expanded and modernized. A major reconstruction was completed in 2002 with the opening of a new, more spacious, and modern terminal capable of handling the growing passenger traffic. And in 2008, the air harbor officially received its current name in honor of Ajaccio's most famous native — Napoleon Bonaparte, emphasizing its inseparable link with the history of the city and all of France.

Today, Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport is not just a transport node, but the main aviation hub of Corsica, welcoming millions of travelers annually. It leads in passenger traffic on the island, continuing its history of development and remaining a symbol of Corsica's openness to the world. From a modest military airfield to a modern air gateway — the airport's path reflects the evolution of the entire region.

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes, serving both light bites and local cuisine. The terminal features shops, including duty-free, where you can purchase Corsican delicacies, souvenirs, perfumes, and other goods.

For the convenience of travelers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. Charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets are also provided. For business travelers, the airport operates an equipped business center where you can work in a quiet environment or hold a meeting.

In the airport building, you will find ATMs and a currency exchange point. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge operates where you can wait for your flight in a tranquil atmosphere. If necessary, a first aid point is available at the airport.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and assistance services are provided. To receive assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Travelers with small children can use the mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options for every taste and budget are located just a few minutes' drive away. Most of them offer convenient transfers to the terminal, making them an excellent choice for those with early departures or late arrivals.

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), being a regional airport, offers passengers a compact but sufficient selection of establishments for a snack or a full meal before departure. The majority of cafes are concentrated in the public hall of the terminal, accessible to all visitors before passing security control (landside). After screening (airside), the choice is generally more limited, so it is better to have a substantial meal in advance.

In the main hall, you will find cafes offering classic dishes for travelers: sandwiches, paninis, salads, fresh pastries, and desserts. This is a great place for a quick snack. For those with time for a more substantial lunch, there is usually a self-service establishment or a small bistro offering hot dishes, pizza, or pasta. Prices here, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city.

Particular attention should be paid to the opportunity to try local Corsican products. Even at the airport, you can find sandwiches with traditional fillings or local cheese. This is a wonderful chance to enjoy the taste of the island one last time before departure. You can also order refreshing beverages at the cafes.

The operating hours of food establishments at Ajaccio Airport are directly linked to the flight schedule — they open with the first morning departures and close after the last evening plane leaves. Regarding special dietary requests, finding vegetarian sandwiches or salads is usually not difficult. However, options for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be quite limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or bring a suitable snack with you.

To ensure your journey through Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, take advantage of our tips. This airport, serving the main city of Corsica, Ajaccio, has its own characteristics, especially during the peak tourist season.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before departure for international destinations and 1.5–2 hours for domestic flights. In the summer months, the airport can be quite busy, so an extra time buffer will not hurt. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option.

Hand Luggage and Security Control. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard for airports in France and the EU. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. When passing through screening, be ready to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag. To choose the best seat on the plane, note that flying to and from Corsica offers magnificent views of the coast, so a window seat will give you unforgettable impressions.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Ajaccio Airport is not a major transit hub, and most flights are direct. If you do have a connection planned, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control for flights within the Schengen zone is usually absent, but for passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries, the procedure is standard.

Saving Time and Money. A pre-booked transfer or bus to the city often costs less than a taxi taken on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle to fill it after passing security control and avoid spending on drinks. It is also worth remembering that prices in cafes and shops within the airport territory are generally higher than average.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for current information and instructions. Keep all receipts for food and drinks — depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be required to reimburse your expenses. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.