Carcassonne Airport

Carcassonne Airport (CCF), also known as Salvaza Airport, is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the medieval era. Located just a few minutes' drive from the majestic Cité fortress, it allows travellers to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of legends and knightly tournaments almost immediately after landing. This compact and cosy airport is devoid of the hustle and bustle of giant hubs, offering guests of the Occitanie region a calm and comfortable start to their French holiday.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of the Carcassonne air harbour is its unique location. The airport is located so close to the city that the transfer to the hotel or the historical centre takes mere minutes, allowing you to save precious time for excursions. Thanks to the compact size of the single terminal, all procedures — from check-in to security control — proceed quickly and without unnecessary stress, which is especially appreciated by families with children and elderly travellers.

Another pleasant feature is the scenic views during the landing approach. In clear weather, a breathtaking panorama of the Pyrenees mountains and the vineyards of Languedoc opens up from the window, and sometimes you can even see the famous fortress itself from a bird's eye view. Furthermore, the airport specialises in serving budget airlines, making travel to this fairytale region of France accessible to a wide range of tourists.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Carcassonne Airport, which will help you plan your trip and promptly resolve any issues that may arise.

• Official website: www.aeroport-carcassonne.com. Here you will find the current flight schedule, information about services and parking.
• Information desk phone: +33 4 68 71 96 46.
• Address: Route de Montréal, 11000 Carcassonne, France.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is 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 official airport page on Facebook.
• Lost luggage information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should contact the Lost & Found service of your airline directly or its ground handling representative at the airport.
• Passenger support service: For general questions and assistance at the airport, you can contact the main information desk phone number.

Carcassonne Airport (CCF) is located just 3-4 kilometres from the city centre, so the journey there will not take much time. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences, you can choose one of several convenient ways to get to the terminal.

Shuttle Bus (Navette). This is the most economical and popular method. A special bus runs between the airport, the centre of Carcassonne (stop at the Pont-Neuf bridge) and the main railway station. It is important to note that the shuttle schedule is fully synchronised with the arrival and departure of all flights, so you will not have to wait long. The trip usually takes about 20-25 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around 6 Euros, making this option ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Taxi and Transfer. For those who value comfort and are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, a taxi will be the best solution. The taxi rank is located directly at the exit of the arrivals terminal. A trip to the city centre will take no more than 10-15 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 15-20 Euros. Although this is a more expensive option compared to the bus, it ensures maximum convenience and speed. To guarantee a car, especially during the high season, it is recommended to book a transfer in advance.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around the picturesque Occitanie region in the south of France, car rental is your choice. Offices of several leading international and local rental companies are located at Carcassonne Airport. By car, you can easily reach the city via well-marked roads. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, zones for short-term and long-term parking are provided.

It is also worth considering that there are other airports in the region. The largest of them is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, located less than 100 km away. Other popular options are Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (Llabanère) and Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport, from which you can also conveniently reach Carcassonne by public transport.

Carcassonne Airport (CCF) is a small regional airport distinguished by its compactness and simple structure, making it very convenient for passengers. Navigating here is easy, even if you have arrived for the first time.

The airport operates only one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, primarily for budget airlines. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transfers between terminals or long journeys — all zones are located in one building and within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters are located. The departure zone and arrival zone are located here as well, but are separated. The departure zone includes several check-in counters, a security control point, and a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim hall and customs control. All navigation is intuitive, and signs in French and English will help you find your way.

Registration and screening procedures at Carcassonne Airport usually proceed significantly faster than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially during the peak tourist season (summer), when the number of flights and passengers increases. At other times, completing all formalities may take less than an hour. You will not have to cover long distances, as it is only a few minutes' walk from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate.

The history of Carcassonne Airport (CCF), also known as Salvaza Airport, is closely intertwined with the development of tourism in the Occitanie region in the south of France. Its path began in the 1930s as a modest airfield, which was used for military purposes during the Second World War. After the war, it gradually reoriented towards civil aviation but remained a small regional hub with a limited number of flights for a long time.

A real turning point in the airport's history occurred at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries with the arrival of budget airlines. It was then that the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair launched regular flights, connecting Carcassonne with the UK, Ireland, and Belgium. This decision became a key factor for growth: passenger traffic increased tenfold, turning the airport into an important international gateway for the entire region. Until that moment, getting to the famous medieval fortress by air was significantly more difficult.

The sharp increase in popularity required serious modernisation. In the 2000s, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the terminal was expanded and updated to cope with the increased number of passengers, and infrastructure and navigation equipment were improved. Today, Carcassonne Airport is a modern and compact aviation hub that specialises in serving low-cost carriers and plays an indispensable role in the tourist appeal of the Aude department and its famous capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Carcassonne Airport (CCF) is a compact and modern terminal offering passengers all essential services for a comfortable journey. Before departure, you can have a snack or coffee at the café, as well as purchase local delicacies, souvenirs, and essential goods at the duty-free shop. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport, and the waiting hall has power outlets for charging mobile devices.

For the convenience of travellers, ATMs are installed in the terminal building; however, there is no full-service currency exchange bureau, so it is better to arrange for cash in advance. Passengers with children have access to mother and child rooms with changing tables. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility — ramps, adapted toilets, and an escort service from the check-in counter to boarding the aircraft are provided for them. To use the assistance service, it is recommended to contact your airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Specialised VIP lounges, business centres, or conference rooms are not provided at Carcassonne Airport. However, if you need rest before or after a flight, there are several hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, which can be reached on foot or by taxi in a few minutes. This is especially convenient for those travelling on early or late flights.

Carcassonne Airport (CCF) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but quite sufficient for a snack before departure or after arrival. The main options are concentrated in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area (before passing security control).

The main and, essentially, the only full-service establishment is the Trib's café. It serves both departing and arriving passengers. Here you can find options for both a quick snack and a more substantial meal:

• For a quick snack: fresh pastries (croissants, chocolate buns), sandwiches with various fillings, salads, yoghurts, and assorted snacks.
• For a full lunch: the menu usually includes simple hot dishes, such as quiche, pizza, hot sandwiches (croque-monsieur), or the soup of the day. This is a good option if you have time before departure.
• Beverages: a wide selection of coffee, tea, and juices.

The café is located in the public area (landside), so it is better to have lunch or drink coffee before passing through screening. After security control (airside), the choice is extremely limited and may be reduced to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Regarding special dietary requirements, vegetarians will be able to find cheese and vegetable sandwiches or salads. However, please note that options for vegans, as well as certified gluten-free or Halal dishes, are practically absent. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is more reliable to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are generally higher than the city average. The café's operating hours are tied to the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last departure.

Carcassonne Airport is a small regional airport in the south of France, mainly serving budget airlines. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, follow these tips.

Arrival time at the airport. Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before an international flight. During the tourist season or when several flights depart simultaneously, queues may form at check-in counters and security control.

Check-in and Security. To save time, always complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop (if applicable) or security screening. The security control procedure is standard, but due to the small number of screening points, waiting may take some time during peak hours.

Seat selection on the plane. If it is possible to choose a seat, sit by the window on the left when departing from Carcassonne — in clear weather, you can see an impressive panorama of the Pyrenees mountains. Aisle seats are convenient if you want to be able to stand up and stretch during the flight without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand luggage. Remember the strict rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in one transparent bag. Low-cost airlines flying to Carcassonne check the size and weight of hand luggage very carefully. Any excess over the limit will cost significantly more when paying at the airport than when purchasing additional baggage online.

Connecting passengers. Carcassonne Airport is not a major transit hub. As a rule, there are no organised transfers here. If you are flying with a self-transfer, you will most likely have to collect your luggage, exit to the general area, and then check in again for the next flight and pass all controls. Allow at least 3-4 hours for this.

Customs control. For flights within the Schengen area, there is no passport control. If your flight arrives from a country outside the Schengen area (for example, from the UK or Ireland) or departs there, you will need to pass passport control. Customs checks of luggage are carried out selectively.

Saving time and money. Book your transfer to the city or rent a car online in advance — it is cheaper than doing it on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control, as food and drinks at the airport are quite expensive.

In case of flight delay. The airport is small, and the choice of entertainment is limited. Bring a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded movies. In case of a long delay or flight cancellation, contact your airline representative. Remember that under EU rules (Regulation 261/2004), you are entitled to refreshments, meals, and in some cases, monetary compensation.