Bastia Poretta Airport

Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is not merely the air gateway to northern Corsica, but a place with a rich history. It was from here on July 31, 1944, that the famous writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry departed on his final flight. Today, it is the second busiest airport on the island, serving as a convenient starting point for journeys to the picturesque corners of France. It receives both scheduled and seasonal flights from many European cities, offering tourists access to the unique culture and nature of the "Island of Beauty".

Despite its modest size, Bastia Poretta Airport is distinguished by its thoughtful organization, designed for passenger convenience. Here you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait: shops with souvenirs and travel essentials, several dining outlets, currency exchange points, and car rental counters. Thanks to its convenient location and good transport links — the city centre can be reached by shuttle bus in just 35 minutes — the airport is the ideal starting point for exploring not only Bastia itself but also the entire northern coast of Corsica with its famous beaches and mountain landscapes.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, please visit the official airport website — bastia.aeroport.fr.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +33 (0)4 95 54 54 54.
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Bastia-Poretta, Route de l'Aéroport, 20290 Lucciana, France.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact your airline's baggage tracing service. For items left in the terminal, please contact the information desk or call the main airport number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Information desks are located within the terminal building. Staff are ready to assist with any questions regarding your stay at the airport.

Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is located approximately 20 km south of the centre of Bastia, and there are several convenient options for travelling between the city and the air hub. The choice depends on your budget, the amount of luggage, and your plans for further travel around the island.

The most affordable mode of transport is the shuttle bus. It runs regularly between the airport and the central railway station of Bastia. The journey takes approximately 30-35 minutes, and the ticket costs about 9-10 Euros. The bus schedule is generally coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, but during the peak season, it is advisable to check it in advance. This is the ideal choice for budget travellers and those travelling light.

For greater comfort and speed, you can use taxis or pre-book a transfer. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the city centre will take about 25 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 40-50 Euros depending on the time of day. Pre-booking a transfer can guarantee a fixed price and is particularly convenient if you are travelling with family or bulky luggage.

If you plan to explore Corsica by car, the best solution is car rental. Several major rental agencies operate counters at the airport. You can reach the airport from the city by rental or private car via the T11 highway. For motorists, the airport grounds provide parking, offering both short-term and long-term rates. This option ensures maximum flexibility and freedom of movement during your holiday in France.

Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is notable for its compactness and simple, intuitive structure, making it very convenient for travellers. You will not have to worry about complicated transfers or long corridors, as all services are concentrated in one passenger terminal.

The terminal serves both domestic and international flights. Its layout is maximally logical: all key zones are within a single building, eliminating the need for shuttles or long walks. Navigation will not cause difficulties even for first-time visitors — there are clear signs in French and English everywhere.

Departure and Arrival zones are located in different parts of the terminal for passenger convenience.

• The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately after disembarking, you enter the baggage claim hall. Here you will also find car rental desks, a tourist information centre, and the exit to taxis and bus stops.
• The Departures Zone is also organized on the ground floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After check-in, passengers proceed to security control, followed by a small but cosy waiting hall with several boarding gates, shops, and cafes.

Due to the airport's small size, completing pre-flight formalities typically takes significantly less time than at major airports. Check-in and security usually proceed quickly, although queues are possible during the peak tourist season (June to August). It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight to complete all procedures without rushing. Overall, navigating Bastia Airport is a simple task: everything is within walking distance, and staff are always ready to assist.

The history of Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is inextricably linked with the events of the 20th century. Its story began not as a civilian facility, but as a military airfield. The airport was built in 1944 during World War II by engineers of the US Army and was originally named "Poretta Airfield". It played an important strategic role as a base for bombers and fighters of the Allied forces during operations in Italy and southern France.

After the war ended, the airfield was handed over to French authorities and began its transformation into a civil airport. This transition was a key stage in its development. With the growth of Corsica's popularity as a tourist destination in the post-war decades, the need arose to modernize and expand the infrastructure. In 1980, the current terminal building was opened, which significantly increased capacity and the level of comfort for passengers.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet modern aviation requirements and growing passenger traffic. One of the most significant renovations was carried out in 2011-2012, during which waiting lounges were expanded, check-in and security zones were updated, and general infrastructure was improved. An important achievement for the airport was surpassing the milestone of 1 million passengers per year, confirming its status as the main air gateway to northern Corsica.

Interesting fact: the name "Poretta" comes from the name of the locality where the airport is situated. Today, Bastia Poretta is a modern regional airport that successfully combines its rich history with the functions of an important transport hub connecting this beautiful Mediterranean island with the rest of Europe.

Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is the air gateway to northern Corsica, one of the most picturesque regions of France. Passengers here have access to all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well thought out and oriented towards the needs of travellers.

Inside, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, eat a sandwich, or try local pastries. Shops offer a good selection of goods: from Corsican souvenirs and delicacies to press and travel essentials. This is an excellent opportunity to buy last-minute gifts for loved ones.

General waiting halls with sufficient seating are equipped for waiting for flights. It is worth noting that the airport does not have specialized VIP lounges or business lounges, so passengers are invited to use the general comfort zones. To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided (it is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline). Families with small children can use baby care rooms. In case of feeling unwell, a first aid point operates on the premises.

Other amenities include ATMs and a currency exchange point. There are no hotels or conference centres for business meetings within the airport building itself. However, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, and counters of major car rental companies operate in the arrivals hall, making it easy to organize further travel around the island.

At Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA), travellers will find several options for a snack or a full meal, concentrated mainly in the main terminal building. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, it fully satisfies passenger needs.

The main catering establishment is located in the public zone (landside), before security control. Here you will find the main bar-restaurant where you can leisurely have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This is the ideal place if you have plenty of time before departure or if you are seeing someone off or meeting them. The menu often features not only standard European dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, and hot meals, but also dishes of local Corsican cuisine. This is a great opportunity to try local delicacies, such as cheeses or cold cuts.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is more limited. Usually, a small bar or cafe operates here. This place is excellent for a quick snack right before boarding. You can order coffee, soft drinks, pastries, or a sandwich. If you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so before passing through inspection.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will likely find suitable options, such as salads or vegetable sandwiches. Options for vegans or gluten-free diets may be more challenging to find, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than the city average. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open with the first morning departures and close after the last flight leaves.

To ensure your journey through Bastia Poretta Airport is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time and reduce stress, from arriving at the airport to boarding the plane.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is not very large, but it can get crowded during peak season. We recommend arriving 2 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you only have hand luggage, this will allow you to proceed directly to security.

Security Control and Seat Selection. The security screening procedure is standard. To speed up the process, remove all metal items from your pockets in advance, and take laptops and liquids out of your bag. When choosing a seat on the plane, if you want to enjoy stunning views of the Corsican coast during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and the ability to stretch your legs, an aisle seat is more suitable.

Luggage Rules. In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances are prohibited. If you are flying from a non-EU country, be prepared for customs control in Bastia. Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of France to avoid issues with carrying goods, such as alcohol or tobacco products exceeding the limit.

For Transfer Passengers and Delays. The airport is small, so navigating a transfer will not cause difficulties. Follow the "Correspondances" (Transfers) signs. In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Remember your rights: according to EU regulations, for long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation.

Saving Time and Money. To avoid overpaying for taxis, consider booking a transfer online in advance or use shuttle buses to the city. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, along with some light snacks.