Llabanère Airport

Airport Features and Advantages

To contact the administration and services of Llabanère Airport (PGF), you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.aeroport-perpignan.com — here you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +33 (0)4 68 52 60 70.
• Address: Avenue Maurice Bellonte, 66000 Perpignan, France.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address contact@aeroport-perpignan.com.
• Social Media: The airport maintains an official Facebook page where you can follow the latest updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline at the airport. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal building, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding your stay at the airport, please call the main information desk number.

Getting to Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (Llabanère), located just 7 km northwest of the centre of Perpignan, is quite simple thanks to good transport links. The choice of method depends on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport: The most budget-friendly option is the city bus. Route No. 6 of the Sankéo bus network directly connects the airport with key points in the city, including the central railway station (Gare TGV). The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes, and the ticket price corresponds to the standard city fare. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers and those travelling light.

Taxi and Transfer: For maximum convenience and speed, use taxi services or book a private transfer. The trip from the city centre to the terminal will take just 15–20 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride usually varies between 20 and 30 Euros, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply wish to reach your destination without transfers.

Car Rental and Personal Vehicle: If you plan to actively travel around the Occitanie region in France, renting a car will be a perfect solution. Counters of several major rental companies are located right in the airport building. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport territory provides parking zones for both short-term and long-term stays, which is very convenient for those flying out of Perpignan.

Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF), also known as Llabanère Airport, represents a small and convenient regional airport. Its main advantage is compactness and simplicity. All infrastructure is housed in a single two-story passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location, eliminating the hustle typical of major aviation hubs.

Navigating the terminal is very easy. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts, and car rental desks. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security checkpoint and the sole departure lounge are located. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated, and all navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in French and English, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

One of the key merits of the airport is the speed of completing formalities. Typically, flight check-in and security screening take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (summer and holidays), small queues are possible. To go through all stages without haste and enjoy a coffee before boarding, it is recommended to arrive at the airport typically 1.5-2 hours before departure.

The history of Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF), also known as Llabanère, begins in 1923. Initially created as a military airfield, its strategic location in the south of France, near the Spanish border and the Mediterranean Sea, quickly defined its dual purpose. By the 1930s, the airport had become an important link in the emerging civil aviation network.

One of the most vivid periods in the airport's history is connected with the legendary airline Aéropostale. It was from here that famous pilots, including Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, flew their postal routes to Africa and South America. For them, the airfield in Perpignan was a key base, forever inscribing it into the history of world aviation and adding a romantic flair to this place.

The airport has also witnessed significant historical events. In 1939, during the Spanish Civil War, it played an important logistical role during the "Retirada" — the mass exodus of refugees. During World War II, the airfield was used by various forces, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.

The post-war years were a time of active growth and modernization. In 1963, the first passenger terminal was built, and in 1977 the runway was extended to 2,500 metres, allowing it to accommodate modern jet aircraft such as the Caravelle and Boeing 727. This opened the way for Perpignan to develop international tourism. Subsequent renovations, especially in the 1990s and 2000s, transformed it into a modern and convenient air terminal ready to welcome a growing flow of travellers.

Today, Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport serves as an important aerial gateway to the Pyrénées-Orientales region. It preserves its rich history while combining it with modern infrastructure. An interesting fact: despite all modernizations, one can still feel the spirit of the era of great aviation pioneers who once looked at the very same mountains and sea while setting off on their risky and heroic flights.

Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions here are designed so that your journey begins or ends without unnecessary hassle.

Dining and Shopping. Within the terminal, you will find a cafe and bar where you can have a snack, eat a sandwich or pastry, and drink a cup of coffee. For those looking for souvenirs or travel goods, there is a shop offering local products, press, and essentials. A small Duty Free shop is also available with a selection of perfumes, beverages, and confectionery.

Comfort and Connectivity. Throughout the airport building, passengers are provided with free Wi-Fi access, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special zones are provided for charging electronic devices. For a more comfortable rest, you can use the VIP Lounge (Salon VIP), where beverages and snacks are offered in a quiet atmosphere.

Financial and Other Services. ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the terminal. The currency exchange point at the airport may operate on a limited schedule, so it is recommended to take care of money exchange in advance. If necessary, passengers can contact the first aid station.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers. The airport is fully equipped for travellers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and elevators. Passengers can book an assistance service in advance. For those travelling with small children, nursery rooms with changing tables are provided.

Business and Accommodation. A business centre operates at Perpignan Airport, where you can rent office spaces or conference rooms for business meetings. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels to suit any taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away, easily accessible by taxi or rental car.

Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF), also historically known as Llabanère, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the choice of establishments here is not as vast as in large international hubs, you will easily find everything necessary for waiting for your flight in comfort.

The main dining point in the airport is the restaurant-bar located in the main terminal. Generally, it is accessible both in the public area (landside, before security control) and in the departure area (airside). This allows both well-wishers and passengers who have already passed screening to have a snack. An informal atmosphere prevails here, suitable for both a quick coffee and a leisurely lunch.

The menu usually includes classic dishes of French and European cuisine: fresh sandwiches and paninis, salads, pastries (croissants, chocolate buns), as well as several hot dishes of the day. Given the location in the Roussillon region, pay attention to offers with local flair. These may be snacks featuring Catalan cured meats or cheeses, as well as the opportunity to try regional beverages. For vegetarians, there are sandwiches with cheese and vegetables or salads. Options for vegans or specific dietary requirements may be limited, so it is best to check the ingredients with the staff to ensure they meet your needs.

The price range corresponds to standard airport tariffs — slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule; they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last departure. If you are short on time, the best choice would be a quick snack — coffee with fresh pastries. For a more substantial lunch, you can order one of the hot dishes or a hearty sandwich combo with a drink.

To ensure your journey through Perpignan airport goes as comfortably as possible, take advantage of these tips. Llabanère Airport (PGF) is small and regional, making it quite convenient for passengers, yet it can be busy during peak season. It is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones to calmly complete all formalities.

To save time, check in for your flight online — this will save you from standing in line at the check-in counter if you are travelling with hand luggage only. The security screening procedure is standard for airports in France, but small queues may arise in the morning hours and during school holidays. Prepare liquids and electronics in advance to speed up the process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. Window seats will offer you picturesque views of the coast and the Pyrenees during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats provide more legroom and the freedom to stand up during the flight. You can check the cabin layout of your aircraft on specialized websites to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as a seat without a window.

Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Always check your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Perpignan Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure you have enough time between flights. Clarify with the airline whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination or if you will need to collect and re-check it.

Customs control for those arriving from countries outside the Schengen area follows the "green" and "red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "green" channel. Otherwise, contact a customs officer in the "red" channel.

To save time and money, book parking and airport transfers online — this is often cheaper than paying on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control. This way, you will save on buying drinks in the departure zone.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, check the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Find a counter or a representative of the carrier to get current information. Remember that under EU rules (Regulation 261/2004), for long delays, you are entitled to drinks, meals, and in some cases — hotel accommodation at the airline's expense.