Sainte Catherine Airport

Sainte Catherine Airport (Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport) is the aerial gateway to the picturesque Balagne region in north-western Corsica. Situated between the sea and the mountains, the airport offers passengers breathtaking views right from the moment of landing. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the tourism infrastructure of France, especially during the summer season when numerous flights arrive here from various corners of Europe. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the beaches, mountains, and charming villages of the famous "Garden of Corsica".

The main feature of Sainte Catherine Airport is the seasonal nature of its operations. The primary flow of flights, including charters and scheduled routes from European cities, occurs between May and October. During the rest of the year, air connectivity is maintained primarily with major cities in France, such as Paris, Marseille, and Nice. The airport is small but functional: it has everything necessary for a comfortable wait, including cafés and car rental desks. Its key advantage is its proximity to the resort area, allowing tourists to reach their hotels quickly and without unnecessary transfers, beginning their holiday on the beautiful coast of Corsica immediately.

If you need to contact representatives of Sainte Catherine Airport in the city of Calvi, please use the following contact details. We recommend checking the official resources for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: You will find the most complete and current information on the airport's official website: www.calvi.aeroport.fr. Flight schedules, services, and news are available here.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +33 4 95 65 88 88.
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Calvi Sainte-Catherine, Route de l'Aéroport, 20260 Calvi, France.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• 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 should first contact your airline's baggage tracing service. You can also contact the airport service responsible for baggage (Service Bagages).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions related to airport services, you can contact the general information desk at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY), which serves the resort town of Calvi in Corsica, is quite simple due to its close location — just 7 km from the centre. The journey does not take much time, and travellers can choose from several convenient methods depending on their budget and plans.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport is by taxi. The trip from the city centre will take just 10–15 minutes. The fare is usually around 20–30 Euros, but may vary depending on the time of day and season. During the peak tourist season (July-August), it is recommended to book a transfer in advance via online services or your hotel. This guarantees the availability of a car and a fixed price, helping to avoid unnecessary stress before departure.

Car Rental

If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings and beaches of Corsica, renting a car is the ideal solution. Sainte Catherine Airport hosts representatives of several international and local rental companies. You can return the rented car right before your flight. The airport is conveniently located next to the T30 highway, which simplifies navigation. To get the best rates and guarantee the availability of a suitable vehicle, it is strongly recommended to book it online several weeks before your trip, especially during the summer months.

Public Transport

It is worth noting that options for reaching the airport by public transport are very limited. There is no regular direct bus service or shuttle between Calvi centre and the airport. The railway station is also located in the city, with no direct link to the terminal. Seasonal routes may operate during the summer period, but their schedules can be irregular. Therefore, tourists should not rely on this method; it is better to choose a taxi or car rental.

Airport Parking

Parking is provided for those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. There are zones for both short-term parking (picking up or dropping off passengers) and long-term vehicle storage. Since the airport is small, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY), serving the resort town of Calvi and the Balagne region in Corsica, is part of the transport system of France and is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity. All airport infrastructure is housed in one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and seasonal international flights. Its small size makes it very convenient for passengers.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors. The arrival and departure areas are located in the same building on the same level, which completely eliminates the need for complex transfers or the use of shuttles. All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other.

The departure area includes several check-in counters and a single security screening point. After passing through control, passengers enter a small but functional waiting lounge. The arrival area is in another part of the building and consists of the baggage claim hall and the exit to the city. Thanks to the terminal's small dimensions, the path from the aircraft steps to the airport exit usually takes minimum time.

Check-in and screening procedures at Calvi airport generally proceed very quickly, especially in the low season. However, it is worth noting that during the peak tourist season (from June to August), the number of flights and passenger traffic increases significantly, which can lead to queues. At this time, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 1.5–2 hours before your flight departure.

The main advice for travellers using Sainte Catherine Airport is not to worry about navigation. It is practically impossible to get lost here. Simply follow the standard signs, and you will easily find everything you need. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, making pre-flight formalities as quick and comfortable as possible.

The history of Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in the Balagne region and key events of the 20th century. Its journey began not as a civilian facility, but as a strategic military airfield. The airport was built during World War II and was actively used by the United States Air Force. In 1944, it served as an important base for fighters and bombers during the preparation and execution of the Allied landings in the south of France, which became a significant episode in its history.

After the war ended, the airfield was transferred to civilian administration and began a new chapter of its existence. With the growing popularity of Corsica as a tourist destination in the 1960s and 1970s, the airport in Calvi began to develop gradually. Initially, it was a simple runway with a small building, but its importance to the regional economy grew steadily as it made the picturesque coast accessible to travellers from all over Europe.

The major modernisation that defined the airport's modern appearance took place in the early 1990s. In 1992, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated, designed to handle a significantly larger flow of tourists. Simultaneously, the runway was reconstructed and extended, allowing the airport to accept larger and more modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which form the backbone of charter and scheduled flights today.

One of the main achievements of Sainte Catherine Airport is its key role in transforming the Balagne region into a popular tourist destination. Although it does not break records for passenger traffic on a national scale, its contribution to the local economy is hard to overestimate. An interesting fact: the airport was named after the small Chapel of Sainte Catherine located nearby. Today, the airport is known for its pronounced seasonality — in summer it buzzes with arriving tourists, while in winter it operates in a much quieter mode awaiting the new season.

Sainte Catherine Airport in Calvi is a compact and functional regional airport offering all basic amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight. While the range of services here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, passengers will find everything they need before departure or upon arrival.

In the airport's single terminal, there are several catering outlets where you can have a snack or drink coffee. Typically, this includes a café and snack bar offering beverages, sandwiches, and pastries. There is also a shop where you can purchase souvenirs, press, and locally produced goods, such as Corsican delicacies. Specialized VIP lounges are absent at the airport; however, the general waiting area is quite comfortable.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal. There are power outlets in the departure hall for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. Regarding financial services, ATMs are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange bureaus are generally absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms with changing tables are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility are offered assistance with moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to book the assistance service in advance through your airline. The airport building features accessible toilets and ramps. In case of necessity, one can contact the first aid station.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, however, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Calvi and its surroundings, just a few minutes away by taxi or car. Specialized conference halls or business centres are not provided at Sainte Catherine Airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving tourist flows.

Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY) in Calvi is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a light snack before departure. The main dining opportunities are concentrated in the main terminal building.

In the public area (before passing security control), there is one main snack bar. This is the primary place to eat and drink at the airport. It offers a standard range for a quick bite: fresh sandwiches, pastries (croissants, buns), salads, as well as various snacks such as crisps and chocolate. Available beverages include coffee, tea, juices, and sparkling water. You can often find local French specialities as well.

Regarding specialized dietary requirements, finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options may be extremely difficult due to the airport's compactness. Passengers with specific dietary needs are strongly recommended to bring food with them or eat in the city before travelling to the airport. Vegetarians might be able to find a cheese sandwich or a simple salad.

Prices at the airport are generally moderately high, which is typical for most air hubs. The establishment's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it is open during departure and arrival periods and closes at other times. If you need a quick snack, a sandwich or croissant would be an excellent choice. For a more filling but still light lunch, you can grab a salad or a larger baguette. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Sainte Catherine Airport in the city of Calvi goes smoothly, follow these tips. Although it is a small regional airport, it can get quite crowded during the peak season (from June to September). We recommend arriving 2 hours before departure for international flights or if you are checking in luggage, and 1.5 hours for domestic flights within France. If possible, use online check-in — this will save you time in the queue.

Passing through security control usually does not take much time, but it is better to be prepared. Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. Customs control for those arriving from Schengen countries generally proceeds quickly and formally. If you are arriving from outside the EU, be prepared to present documents and, if necessary, declare goods.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Calvi, opt for a window seat. This will give you a chance to enjoy stunning views of the Corsican coast and mountains during takeoff. If a quick exit from the aircraft upon arrival is important to you, it is better to choose an aisle seat.

Calvi Airport is not a major transfer hub, so most flights are direct. If you do have a transfer planned, you will likely have to collect your luggage yourself and check in again for the next flight. Ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines.

To save time and money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance, as finding an available car on the spot during peak season can be problematic and expensive. It is also worth taking a light snack with you, as the choice of food and drinks at the airport is limited, and prices can be high.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide current information and explain your rights. Remember that on flights operated by European carriers or departing from the EU, you are protected by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which provides for assistance (meals, beverages, accommodation) and potential compensation depending on the length of the delay and flight distance.