Maubeuge Elesmes Airport

Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport is not a bustling international hub, but a cosy air haven where the romance of general aviation reigns. Located amidst the picturesque fields of the Hauts-de-France region, this airfield serves as the main gateway for private pilots and extreme sports enthusiasts wishing to explore the beauty of Northern France from a bird's-eye view. Instead of endless check-in queues, you will be greeted by the friendly atmosphere of an aeroclub and breathtaking views of the Avesnois Natural Park.

Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport possesses a number of unique features that make it an attractive destination, despite the lack of regular passenger flights:

Skydiving Centre. This is one of the most famous places in northern France for skydiving. The local parachuting school attracts both beginners wishing to make their first tandem jump and professional athletes who appreciate the quality infrastructure and spacious landing zone.

Convenience for Private Aviation. The airfield is equipped with an asphalt runway approximately 1,300 metres long, allowing it to accommodate light aircraft and small business jets. Due to the absence of heavy commercial traffic, pilots can enjoy a calm approach and quick service.

Picturesque Location. The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the Belgian border and the Avesnois Natural Park. This makes it an ideal starting point for sightseeing flights, during which you can enjoy views of the region's green hills, forests, and ancient fortifications.

• Official Website: The airfield does not have a separate website for commercial passengers. Flight information is provided by the aeroclub at aeroclubmaubeuge.com, and data regarding jumps can be found on the skydiving centre's website at skydivemaubeuge.fr.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +33 3 27 68 40 25 (aeroclub contact for information clarification).
• Airport Address: Aérodrome de la Salmagne, 59600 Élesmes, France.
• Email: uashmaubeuge@gmail.com (for questions related to aeroclub activities and private aviation).
• Social Media: Current news and event schedules are published on the official Facebook and Instagram pages of the aeroclub and the Skydive Maubeuge centre.
• Lost Luggage Information: As the airport does not serve regular commercial flights, there is no separate lost and found service. In case of lost items, you must contact the aeroclub staff or the skydiving centre administration on site.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance is provided locally by airfield personnel during flight operation hours; there is no 24-hour call centre.

Since Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport is a general aviation airfield and does not serve regular commercial flights by major airlines, classic "airport express" routes or shuttles are absent here. Getting to it is not difficult, as it is located just 5–6 kilometres from the city centre of Maubeuge. The main flow of visitors consists of skydivers and private pilots, who most often use personal transport or taxis.

Below are the main ways to reach the airfield, as well as recommendations for travellers arriving in the region via major international hubs.

By Car and Car Rental

The most convenient and popular way to get to the airfield is by car. The drive from the centre of Maubeuge takes only 10–15 minutes. The route is simple: you need to drive along the N2 highway towards Belgium or along the D649 road, following the signs for Élesmes and Aérodrome de la Salmagne.

You can rent a car in the city of Maubeuge itself (offices of international rental companies are present near the railway station) or upon arrival at major neighbouring airports. This is the optimal option if you plan to carry sports equipment or travel around the Hauts-de-France region.

Parking

One of the pleasant advantages of general aviation is the availability of parking spaces. Free parking is equipped on the territory of Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport for visitors to the aeroclub and the skydiving centre. There is usually plenty of space, and it is within walking distance of the hangars and the jump registration zone.

Taxi and Transfer

If you do not have personal transport, a taxi will be the best solution for the "last mile" from the city to the runway. The taxi rank is located at the Maubeuge railway station (Gare de Maubeuge).

• Travel time: About 10–15 minutes from the station.
• Cost: Approximately 15–25 Euros one way (price may change on weekends and in the evening).
• Recommendation: Apps like Uber do not always work consistently in this region, so it is more reliable to book a local taxi in advance or take a car from the official stand at the station.

Public Transport (Train and Bus)

There is no direct public transport that would take passengers directly to the airfield terminal. However, a combined route is quite possible:

• Train: The nearest major railway station is Gare de Maubeuge. SNCF trains from Paris, Lille, and other cities arrive here. From the station to the airfield, you need to take a taxi.
• Bus: The city bus network Stibus serves Maubeuge and the surrounding areas. The nearest stops are in the commune of Élesmes, but from there you will have to walk about 1–2 kilometres to the airfield entrance. This option is suitable only for travellers with light luggage and plenty of time.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Since Maubeuge-Elesmes accepts only private aircraft, tourists usually fly into major international airports in France or Belgium, and then travel to Maubeuge by train or rented car. Here is a list of the nearest civil aviation hubs:

• Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) — the closest and most convenient option, located just 34 km away. It is a major hub for low-cost carriers, from where you can reach Maubeuge by transfer or car in less than 40 minutes.
• Lille Airport (LIL) — located 72 km away. Convenient for those travelling within France.
• Brussels Airport (BRU) — the main international airport of Belgium, located 73 km away. Offers the largest number of flights from around the world.
• Antwerp International Airport (ANR) — a small airport 102 km away, convenient for business trips.
• Liège Airport (LGG) — located 106 km away, specialising mainly in cargo transport and charters.

The structure of Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport differs radically from major international hubs. Here you will not find confusing mazes, automatic travelators, or multi-level parking lots. This is a classic General Aviation aerodrome, where all infrastructure is designed for the maximum convenience of amateur pilots and sports skydivers.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

There are no passenger terminals in Maubeuge in the usual sense. The airport is a single compact complex combining administrative and technical premises. All airfield life is centred around the Main Building (Clubhouse) and the hangars adjacent to it.

• Main Building: Here are the reception desks of the aeroclub and the skydiving centre, classrooms for briefings, a recreation area, and administration.
• Technical Zone: Includes hangars for storing private planes, gliders, and equipment for servicing aviation machinery.

Map and Navigation

Navigation around the territory is intuitive and does not require the use of maps or apps. Logistics are built on the "parking — building — airfield" principle.

• Entrance: You can enter the airport directly from the car park. Entry to the main building is free for all visitors.
• Waiting Area: Inside there is a cosy lounge area where pilots discuss routes and skydivers prepare for jumps.
• Access to the Field: Access to aircraft is via special exits directly from the building or through gates near the hangars. Important: access to the apron is permitted only when accompanied by a pilot or instructor.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Since the airport does not serve scheduled flights, there are no separated "Arrival" and "Departure" zones with customs control and baggage claim belts. The entire process takes place in a single flow:

• Departure Zone: For skydivers, this is the manifest zone (registration for a jump) and the gear-up zone. For private flight pilots, this is the office for filing a flight plan and checking weather reports.
• Arrival Zone: After landing, planes and skydivers return to the same building. Greeters can wait for their friends and loved ones just a few metres from the aircraft parking spot, behind the safety fence.

Infrastructure Features

Despite its modest size, Maubeuge-Elesmes offers guests comfortable conditions:

• Panoramic Terrace and Bar: One of the main "highlights" of the airfield is the presence of a restaurant or bar (often called "Brasserie de la Salmagne") overlooking the runway. This is an ideal place to watch plane take-offs and parachute landings over a cup of coffee.
• Classrooms: Equipped with video equipment for viewing jump recordings and conducting briefings.
• Parachute Packing Area: A spacious hall or covered area where athletes prepare their gear. It is interesting for tourists to watch this process from the side.

Procedure Times

The main advantage of Maubeuge-Elesmes is the absence of queues and bureaucracy.

• Registration: Takes 5–10 minutes. You just need to check in at the club or skydiving centre counter.
• Screening: There is no classic security screening with frames and scanners here. However, instructors strictly monitor compliance with safety rules before boarding the plane.
• Passport Control: There is no control for flights within France and the Schengen area. If you arrive by private jet from a non-Schengen country (for example, from the UK), border police may arrive upon request, but this happens extremely rarely.

Navigation Recommendations for Tourists

If you have arrived at the airport for the first time:

1. Follow the "Accueil" (Reception) signs when entering the main building. They will tell you where to go next.
2. Do not enter areas marked "Zone Réservée" (Restricted Zone) without an escort — this is an active part of the airfield with operating propellers.
3. If your goal is a parachute jump, look immediately for the counter with the Skydive Maubeuge logo; it is usually the most visible and lively.

The history of Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport (known among locals as the La Salmagne airfield) is inextricably linked with the region's rich military past and the subsequent flourishing of sports aviation in France. This place has gone from a strategic point on the battle map to a peaceful haven for sky lovers.

Origins and War Years

Although aviation in the region began to develop in the early 20th century, the key stage in the site's history was the period of the Second World War. Due to its geographical position — proximity to the Belgian border and the fortifications of the city of Maubeuge — this territory always had strategic importance. In 1944, after the liberation of the region by Allied forces, a temporary military airfield was deployed here, known in American codifications as Advanced Landing Ground A-88. In September 1944, reconnaissance aircraft and bombers of the US 9th Air Force flew sorties from here, supporting the Allied offensive.

Post-War Revival

After the end of the war, in the second half of the 1940s, military infrastructure gave way to civilian initiatives. In an era of general enthusiasm for aviation, a group of enthusiasts revived the aeroclub here. The official establishment of the airfield as a centre of civil aviation began in 1946, when the sky over Maubeuge became open for peaceful flights again. Since then, the airfield has constantly developed, turning from a simple flying field into an equipped base.

Era of Skydiving and Modernisation

Real fame came to Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport at the end of the 20th century, when it became one of the key centres for skydiving in Europe. The airfield infrastructure was modernised taking into account the needs of skydivers:

• Modern hangars and zones for packing parachutes were built.
• The runway surface was improved (now it is high-quality asphalt 1,300 metres long), which allowed it to accept turboprop aircraft such as the Pilatus Porter and Cessna Caravan, which are ideal for dropping skydivers.
• The airfield became a venue for prestigious competitions. Stages of the French Championships and international skydiving cups have been held here repeatedly, cementing Maubeuge's status as the sports capital of the region.

Interesting Historical Facts

The history of the airport holds several curious details that make it unique:

• Connection with Vauban: The airfield is located in the immediate vicinity of the historical fortifications of Maubeuge, designed by the famous military engineer Vauban in the 17th century. Pilots often joke that the history of sky defence began here long before the invention of aeroplanes.
• Record Activity: During major competitions or summer festivals, the intensity of flights at this small airfield can exceed the figures of some regional airports receiving scheduled flights.
• Forge of Champions: The local skydiving school has raised many world-class athletes, many of whom set their personal records here and prepared for world championships.

Today, Maubeuge-Elesmes continues to write its history, remaining a living monument to aviation passion, where respect for the past is combined with modern technologies and sporting excitement.

Since Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport (XME) is a small general aviation airfield and not a large international terminal, the range of services here differs significantly from the usual standards of large hubs. Here you will not find Duty-Free zones, spas, or bank branches. The infrastructure is compact, functional, and oriented primarily towards the needs of private pilots and sports skydivers. Nevertheless, guests of the airfield can count on basic comfort and a friendly atmosphere.

Restaurants and Dining

The heart of the airfield's social life is the local restaurant-bar, often called La Brasserie de la Salmagne. This establishment is open not only to pilots but also to everyone else. Here you can order a full lunch with dishes of traditional French cuisine or simply have a coffee. The main advantage of the restaurant is the open terrace or panoramic windows with a direct view of the airfield, allowing you to watch plane take-offs and parachute landings during your meal.

There are no chain coffee shops or fast food outlets on the premises, but vending machines with drinks and light snacks for a quick bite are often available in the main building.

Shops

There are no large shops or duty-free zones in Maubeuge-Elesmes. Retail points are limited to:

• A small shop at the aeroclub or skydiving centre where you can buy souvenirs with aviation symbols (T-shirts, caps, stickers).
• A specialised department selling accessories for skydiving (gloves, goggles, altimeters) for professionals.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is usually available for visitors in the main administrative building (Clubhouse) and in the restaurant area. Since the flow of people is small, the connection speed is generally stable and high. There are no special charging stations here, but finding a free socket to recharge a phone or laptop in the waiting area will not be difficult.

Financial Services

Currency exchange points and ATMs are absent on the airfield territory. The nearest banks and ATMs are located in the centre of Maubeuge (approximately 5 km away). If you plan to pay for a jump or a flight, it is recommended to check the possibility of card payment in advance, although most local services accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). It is better to withdraw cash Euros in the city beforehand.

Comfort and Waiting

Instead of closed VIP lounges, the airport offers a cosy common lounge area in the club. This is a place with soft sofas and tables where an informal atmosphere reigns. Here pilots discuss flights, and instructors conduct briefings. The atmosphere resembles a hobby club rather than a station waiting room.

Services for Passengers with Children

There are no specialised mother and child rooms at the airfield, but the toilets in the main building are quite spacious. For children, the main entertainment becomes the airfield itself: watching light aviation from a safe distance causes delight in young travellers. The surrounding territory is green and calm, which is suitable for walks whilst adults are busy with sports.

Services for People with Disabilities

Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport is distinguished by convenient accessibility:

• All main facilities (parking, entrance, registration zone, restaurant) are located on the ground floor, which eliminates the need for lifts and escalators.
• Doorways in the main building are wide, adapted for wheelchair access.
• Interesting fact: local instructors often have qualifications to conduct tandem jumps with passengers with disabilities (Handyfly), making the sky accessible to everyone.

Medical Services

There is no full medical centre or pharmacy at the airfield. However, given the sporting nature of the facility, staff (instructors and administrators) are trained in providing first aid, and fully stocked first aid kits are always available on site. In case of serious incidents, an ambulance arrives from the Maubeuge hospital in the shortest possible time.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. Travellers stay in the city of Maubeuge or its surroundings, which are a 10–15 minute taxi ride away. Popular options nearby:

• ibis Maubeuge — a comfortable chain hotel not far from the station.
• Campanile Maubeuge — a hotel with a restaurant at the entrance to the city.
• Small guest houses (B&B) in the village of Élesmes for those looking for silence and authenticity.

Business Services

Although there is no business centre here in the classic sense, the airfield is often used for corporate events. The aeroclub can provide classrooms or a briefing hall as a meeting room. Many companies choose this place for team building, combining the business part with group parachute jumps or introductory flights.

The gastronomic map of Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport (XME) fully corresponds to its format as a cosy general aviation airfield. Here you will not meet chain fast foods, global brand coffee shops, or luxurious fine dining restaurants. Instead, passengers and guests are offered a soulful and authentic experience, where food is an occasion to gather together and discuss flights.

Main Restaurant and Bar

The centre of attraction for pilots, skydivers, and ordinary visitors is the restaurant located in the main aeroclub building (Clubhouse). The establishment, often referred to as "La Brasserie de la Salmagne", operates in the format of a classic French brasserie. It is located in the public zone (landside), so anyone can visit it, even without a plane ticket.

• Atmosphere: The main "highlight" of the restaurant is the panoramic windows and open terrace overlooking the airfield. Lunch here turns into a fascinating spectacle: you can enjoy your meal while watching the take-off of light aircraft and the landing of colourful parachute canopies.
• Opening Hours: The restaurant is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00 (times may change depending on the season and flight activity). On weekends, when the airfield is busiest, the kitchen works longer. Monday is often a closed day.

Cuisine and Signature Offerings

The restaurant menu is small but substantial, with an emphasis on hearty and quality dishes. Particular attention should be paid to the gastronomic traditions of the Hauts-de-France region.

• What to try: Be sure to order dishes using the local cheese Maroilles — the pride of this region. This could be a Maroilles cheese tart (Flamiche au Maroilles) or a sauce for meat based on it. Also popular are the classic steak with french fries (Steak Frites) and Flemish Carbonnade (beef stewed in beer).
• Drinks: The bar offers a good selection of regional beers (Bières du Nord) and French wines. For morning visitors, fresh coffee and croissants are always available.

Dietary Food (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Since the kitchen is small, there are usually no specialised menus for special dietary needs here. However, the staff generally try to accommodate guests:

• Vegetarians: Large salads, omelettes, and cheese platters are available.
• Vegans and Gluten-Free: The selection is extremely limited (usually side dishes or salads without dressing). It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the waiter or, for a strict diet, bring a snack with you.
• Halal: Specialised Halal dishes are usually not marked on the menu; it is better to choose fish dishes or vegetarian options.

Quick Snack

If you do not have time for a full lunch, the following are available in the main building hall:

• Vending Machines: Offer a standard set of snacks (chocolate, crisps, biscuits), cold carbonated drinks, and water.
• Bar Counter: Here you can quickly drink an espresso or order a sandwich (availability of sandwiches should be checked on site, as they are prepared fresh and may run out by the evening).

Price Range

Prices at Maubeuge-Elesmes Airport are democratic and comparable to average prices in the city of Maubeuge.

• Average Check: A full lunch (main course + drink) will cost approximately 15–25 Euros per person.
• Coffee and Drinks: From 2 to 5 Euros.

Tip for Tourists: If you plan a parachute jump or an introductory flight, instructors strongly recommend postponing a heavy lunch with local delicacies until after landing. A light snack and water before departure is the best choice, and celebrating a soft landing with a glass of beverage or a hearty dinner on the terrace will be much more pleasant afterwards.

Visiting a general aviation airfield such as Maubeuge-Elesmes differs radically from the experience of flying through giant international terminals. There is no hustle and bustle here, but specific rules of etiquette and safety apply. To ensure your visit — whether it is a parachute jump, a piloting lesson, or a private flight — goes perfectly, read the recommendations below.

Arrival Time: Balance Between Punctuality and Waiting

Unlike major airports where you need to be there 2–3 hours before departure, logistics here are much simpler. If you are flying on a private plane or booked for a parachute jump, arriving 30–45 minutes before the appointed time is usually quite sufficient. This is enough to meet the instructor or pilot, fill out the necessary documents, and undergo a briefing. Being late is highly discouraged: the departure schedule often depends on daylight and weather "windows", so the delay of one passenger can shift the plans of the entire group.

Registration and Safety: Informal but Strict

Forget about long queues, removing shoes, and scanning liquids. The registration procedure here takes place in the format of a friendly conversation at the aeroclub counter.

• Documents: Always have your passport or ID with you, even for domestic flights. This is a requirement of aviation authorities.
• Briefing Instead of Screening: The main stage of the "security check" is the pre-flight briefing. Listen carefully to the pilot or tandem master. Rules of conduct on the airfield (do not approach rotating propellers, no smoking on the apron) are strictly observed here.

Choosing a Seat in the Plane: Physics is More Important than Comfort

In small aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Pilatus), seat selection is often dictated not by your preferences but by the aircraft's centre of gravity.

• Weight Distribution: The pilot may ask you to sit in a specific seat for the correct balance of the plane. Do not argue with this decision — it is a matter of safety.
• View: The good news is that practically any seat in a light aircraft is a "window seat" with a panoramic view.
• For Skydivers: The order of boarding the plane is determined by the exit sequence. If you are jumping first, you will enter the plane last (and vice versa).

Hand Luggage: Minimalism and Softness

Luggage compartments of light aircraft are very compact and often have an irregular shape.

• Type of Bags: Avoid hard plastic suitcases on wheels. The best choice is soft sports bags or backpacks that are easy to place in a limited space.
• Weight: Every kilogram counts. Agree on the luggage weight with the pilot in advance.
• Prohibited Items: Rules for transporting dangerous goods (gas cylinders, explosives, corrosive liquids) apply here just as strictly as in big aviation.
• For Skydivers: It is forbidden to take any loose items (phones, keys, cameras without special mounts) into the plane for jumps. Everything superfluous will have to be left in a locker on the ground.

Connections and Transfers

Maubeuge-Elesmes is not a transit hub. If you plan to continue your journey after arrival, take care of ground transport in advance. Taxis in this rural region are best booked for the exact arrival time, as there may not be free cars at the entrance. If you are combining a private flight with a train, allow at least 40 minutes for the journey to the Maubeuge station, taking into account possible taxi waits.

Customs Control

The airfield is located within the Schengen area. For flights from neighbouring countries (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands), customs control is absent. However, if your flight arrives from a non-Schengen country (for example, from the UK), the pilot is obliged to file a special notification (PNR) 24 hours in advance to summon the border police. Make sure this issue is settled beforehand, otherwise disembarkation may be prohibited.

Saving Time and Money

• Book Online: Parachute jumps and introductory flights are often cheaper when booking through the club's website in advance than when paying on the spot on the day of the visit.
• Group Trips: If you are travelling from the city centre, cooperate with other tourists or athletes to share a taxi — this will significantly reduce costs.
• Food to Go: Although the local restaurant is excellent, prices in it may be higher than in a supermarket. A bottle of water and a light snack bought in the city will help save your budget.

What to Do in Case of Delay or Cancellation

General aviation is critically dependent on the weather. Low clouds, strong wind, or fog can stop flights for several hours or for the whole day.

• Have a Plan "B": If the weather turns bad, do not sit waiting for a miracle. Nearby is Fort de Leveau and the Maubeuge Zoo — excellent places to pass the time.
• Check the Forecast: Before leaving for the airfield, call the club. Instructors know the local meteorological situation better than any app.
• Patience: Remember that the decision to cancel a flight is made for your safety. Use the waiting time to chat with local enthusiasts in the club restaurant — often such conversations become the brightest impression of the trip.