Marcillac Airport

Rodez-Marcillac Airport (Rodez-Aveyron Airport) serves as the main air gateway to the Aveyron department, welcoming travellers in the heart of the picturesque Occitanie region. This compact aviation hub is located on a sunny plateau, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills that set a peaceful mood from the very first minutes of arrival. Unlike congested capital airports, an atmosphere of comfort and provincial tranquility reigns here, making the start of your trip through the south of France particularly pleasant and easy.

The main feature of Marcillac Airport is its "human scale" and exceptional convenience for passengers. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all pre-flight formalities proceed surprisingly quickly: the path from the check-in counter to the boarding gate takes mere minutes, eliminating stress and queues.

Among key advantages, it is worth noting the affordable parking located in immediate proximity to the terminal entrance, which is especially convenient for those travelling with luggage. The airport is also renowned for its punctuality and the presence of a restaurant featuring local cuisine where one can have a bite before departure. For tourists, this is an ideal starting pad to explore attractions such as the Soulages Museum or medieval villages located just a few kilometres away.

• Official website: www.aeroport-rodez.fr
• Information desk telephone: +33 5 65 76 02 09
• Address: Route de Decazeville, 12330 Salles-la-Source, France
• Email: contact@aeroport-rodez.fr
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on social networks where current news and useful information for passengers are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and consultations, you can use the airport information desk telephone.

Rodez-Marcillac Airport (RDZ) is located approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre of Rodez, making it easily accessible for travellers. Regardless of your budget and preferences, there are several convenient ways to reach the terminal, whether it is a leisure trip or a business mission to this picturesque region of France.

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use public transport. A special shuttle bus (navette) connects the Rodez train station with the airport. The journey usually takes about 30 minutes. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light who wish to save money. We recommend checking the schedule in advance, as it may be coordinated with flight arrival and departure times.

For greater comfort and convenience, you can use taxi services or book a private transfer. A car journey from the centre of Rodez to the airport will take approximately 20-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Although this option is more expensive than the bus, it is ideal if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with family, or simply value your time and prefer door-to-door service without transfers.

If you plan to actively explore the Aveyron region, the best solution would be car rental. Offices of several major rental companies are represented at Rodez-Marcillac Airport. Having your own transport will give you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in a private vehicle, convenient parking lots are provided where you can leave your car for both short and long terms.

Rodez-Marcillac Airport (RDZ) is distinguished by its compactness and simple structure, making it very convenient for travellers. There is only one passenger terminal operating here, which serves both domestic and international flights. This means that all zones — from check-in to boarding — are located in one small building, and you will not have to worry about transferring between terminals.

The airport layout is intuitively understandable. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the baggage screening point, and the arrivals area with the baggage claim belt. After checking in, passengers proceed to the departure area, which is also located here. The space is organised logically, and navigation is maximally simplified thanks to clear signs. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

One of the key advantages of the airport in Rodez is the speed of passing through all pre-flight procedures. Due to the low passenger flow, check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure, to drop off luggage without rushing, have a coffee, and proceed to the boarding gate. This is an ideal choice for those who want to start their journey through the south of France without the stress and bustle inherent in large aviation hubs.

Marcillac Airport, officially known as Rodez-Aveyron Airport (RDZ), is a key transport hub for the Aveyron department and the entire Occitanie region in the south of France. Its history is a story of overcoming geographical isolation and striving for economic development.

The idea of creating an airport to serve the city of Rodez and its surroundings arose in the 1960s. After several years of planning and construction, the airport was officially opened for commercial flights in 1971. Initially, it was a modest facility with a small runway and a simple terminal, but its appearance became a real breakthrough for the region, providing a fast connection to the capital.

A key stage in the airport's development was its large-scale modernisation at the turn of the century. In 2001, a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was opened, capable of serving the growing passenger flow. Almost simultaneously, the runway was reconstructed and extended to 2,100 metres, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This opened up opportunities for launching new flights, including international charters.

One of the airport's main achievements is maintaining a stable and regular air connection with Paris, which has served as a vital artery for local business, tourism, and residents of the region for decades. In different years, the airport has also served flights to London, Brussels, and Dublin, contributing to the growth of its popularity among European tourists.

Interesting fact: the airport is located on an elevated plateau, which ensures good conditions for takeoff and landing but sometimes creates specific meteorological conditions. Furthermore, its development is closely linked to the industrial growth of the region, particularly the needs of large companies located in Rodez. Today, Rodez-Aveyron Airport is not just a transport facility, but a symbol of the Aveyron department's openness and connection with the rest of the world.

Marcillac Airport (RDZ) is a compact regional airport serving the city of Rodez and its surroundings in the south of France. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers all the basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Inside the terminal building, the "L'Estofi" restaurant operates, where you can order hot meals, snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. This is an excellent place to have a bite before departure. There is also a small shop selling travel goods, press, and souvenirs from the Aveyron region. Please note that the selection here may be limited.

Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers throughout the airport. If you need to charge electronic devices, power outlets can be found in the waiting hall. Regarding financial services, an ATM is installed in the airport, but there are no currency exchange bureaux. It is recommended to arrange for cash Euros in advance.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided, but this service must be requested from your airline at least 48 hours before departure. For travellers with small children, there is a mother and child room with a changing table. There are no separate VIP halls or business lounges at Marcillac Airport.

Hotels or conference rooms are not provided within the terminal building itself. The nearest hotels and business services can be found in the city of Rodez, which is located approximately 12 kilometres from the airport. You can reach the city by taxi or by the special shuttle running between the airport and the city centre.

Marcillac Airport (RDZ), serving the city of Rodez, is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

The main place to have a snack is the restaurant located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public zone (before passing security control). Here you can quickly have a coffee with a croissant or enjoy a full lunch. Since this is essentially the only establishment in the airport, it serves departing and arriving passengers, as well as those meeting them.

The menu usually includes classic offers: sandwiches, salads, pastries, hot and cold beverages. Given the location in the Aveyron region, one of the gastronomic centres of France, it is worth paying attention to the specials of the day. If you are lucky, you will be able to try dishes with local products, for example, with Roquefort cheese or famous sausage. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of the region before departure.

For travellers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes), the choice will likely be extremely limited. It is recommended to check for suitable options in advance or bring necessary snacks with you. Most often, one can count on a simple salad or fruit. The restaurant's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: it opens before the first departure and closes after the departure of the last aircraft.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: grab a coffee and fresh pastry or a sandwich.
• For a full lunch: it is best to settle in the restaurant before passing through security. Check the menu for the "plat du jour" (dish of the day) to try something from the local cuisine.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than the average in the city, which is standard practice for such locations.

To ensure your journey through Marcillac Airport in the city of Rodez, located in the picturesque region of France, goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, make use of our useful tips. A thoughtful approach will help avoid stress and save time and money.

Arrival time at the airport: Although Marcillac Airport is not among the giant hubs, it is better to stick to standard recommendations. Arrive 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to drop off luggage without rushing, pass security control, and find your boarding gate.

Check-in and security control: To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Be prepared in advance at security control: remove laptops and other large electronics from bags. Remember the rules for transporting liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag.

Seat selection on the plane: If there is an opportunity to choose a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For greater comfort, you can use specialised websites that feature cabin layouts of various aircraft with reviews of the best and worst seats.

Hand luggage: Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. It is forbidden to bring sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml into the aircraft cabin. Always keep valuables, documents, medication, and electronics with you in your hand luggage.

Connecting passengers: Rodez is a regional airport, so long international connections are rare here. If you do have a transfer planned, verify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave a sufficient buffer of time between flights, especially if flying with different airlines.

Customs control: Upon arrival from countries outside the EU, you will have to undergo customs control. Follow the signs for the "green" channel (if you have nothing to declare) or the "red" channel (if carrying goods subject to declaration). For travellers within the Schengen Area, customs formalities are generally kept to a minimum.

Saving time and money: To avoid overpaying, book airport parking online in advance. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security control. It is also better to bring light snacks from home to avoid inflated prices at the airport. The surest way to save time is to travel light with only hand luggage and complete check-in online.

Flight delay: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay and the destination (especially on flights to/from the EU), you may be entitled to meals, drinks, and sometimes hotel accommodation according to European regulations. Keep all receipts and boarding passes, as they may be needed to claim compensation.