Les Bases

Les Bases Airport, also known as Marie-Galante Airfield, is not merely a transport hub but a true gateway to a world of authentic Caribbean life and tranquillity. Located amidst picturesque sugar cane fields just a few minutes' drive from Grand-Bourg, this air port welcomes guests with a cosy atmosphere completely unlike large international hubs. Here, on the "island of a hundred windmills," your tropical adventure begins literally from your first steps on the runway, where the air is already filled with the scents of the sea and flowers.

Les Bases Airport possesses a unique charm and a number of advantages that make arriving here a pleasant part of the journey:

Exceptional compactness. The main advantage of Les Bases is its size. It is practically impossible to get lost or waste time in queues here. The journey from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes mere minutes, allowing you to start your holiday on the island as quickly as possible.

Scenic approach. The flight to this airport is often described as an excursion in itself. The aircraft are typically small, and the flight takes place at a relatively low altitude, revealing stunning views of turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and the green hills of the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Convenient location. The airport is located very close to the island's main town, Grand-Bourg. This saves tourists from long and tiring transfers: just a short ride by taxi or rental car, and you are already in the centre of events or at the beach.

• Official Website: At present, the small Les Bases airfield does not have a dedicated official website. It is recommended to use the contact telephone number for current information.
• Information Desk Phone: +590 590 97 53 71. You can check flight schedules and obtain other directory information at this number.
• Address: Aérodrome de Grand-Bourg, 97112 Grand-Bourg, Guadeloupe.
• Email: There is no specialized email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Due to its small size, the airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the representative of the airline that operated your flight directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The airport's general helpline, available at the phone number listed above, is used for passenger support.

Getting to the small Les Bases Airport (Aérodrome de Marie-Galante) from the town of Grand-Bourg is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from the centre. This airport serves the island of Marie-Galante, a charming part of the Guadeloupe archipelago, so the journey does not take much time, and transport options, though few, are quite convenient for travellers.

Taxi or private transfer is the simplest and most reliable way to get to the airport. The trip from the centre of Grand-Bourg takes only 5–10 minutes. A car can be found at special ranks in the town or ordered in advance through your hotel. The cost of the trip is low due to the short distance, however, it is recommended to discuss the price with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore Marie-Galante island on their own. You can rent a car at one of the rental agencies in Grand-Bourg and drive comfortably to the airport, and then use it for trips to picturesque beaches and the island's famous sugar cane plantations. This option offers maximum freedom of movement.

Regarding public transport, there is no regular bus service on the island that directly connects the town to the airport. Relying on this method, especially if you have luggage and are limited on time, is not advisable. Marie-Galante island also lacks trains or a metro system.

There is a small car park next to the Les Bases airport terminal where you can leave a vehicle. Problems with finding free spaces usually do not arise. To summarise: for a quick trip to the airport, it is best to take a taxi, and for a full exploration of the island, renting a car is preferable.

Les Bases Airport (GBJ), serving the island of Marie-Galante in Guadeloupe, is a small and very compact aviation hub. Its infrastructure is designed for the maximum convenience of passengers travelling between the islands. There is one small terminal operating here, which simultaneously serves both arriving and departing flights.

The airport layout is extremely simple. The terminal is a single building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. It is practically impossible to get lost here. Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them does not arise — all procedures take place in one location. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located under one roof, making movement around the airport fast and intuitive.

Inside the terminal, you will find basic infrastructure: several check-in counters, a small waiting area for departing passengers, and a baggage claim area for arrivals. Everything is very compact, which is an advantage for travellers who value their time and dislike the hustle and bustle of large airports.

Thanks to its small size and low passenger flow, passing through all pre-flight formalities at Les Bases Airport takes minimal time. Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed very quickly, rarely taking more than 15–20 minutes. This allows you to arrive at the airport shortly before departure, avoiding long waits.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. Immediately upon arrival at the airport, you will easily orient yourself. The entrance to the departure zone and check-in counters are right by the entrance. After passing control, you will find yourself in a small waiting room from where boarding takes place. This is a perfect example of a simple and efficient regional airport where everything is created for traveller comfort.

Les Bases Airport (GBJ), located in Grand-Bourg, was officially opened for air traffic on 31 July 1978. Its creation was a turning point in the history of Marie-Galante island, as it ensured a reliable and fast connection with the main island of the archipelago, Guadeloupe. The airport's main task from the very beginning was serving the short but vital route to Pointe-à-Pitre, which contributed to both economic development and the growth of tourism.

For many years, the "air bridge" between the islands was maintained by regional carriers, including Air Guadeloupe, and later Air Caraïbes. Flights were operated on small turboprop aircraft, ideally suited for short distances. The journey by air took only about 15-20 minutes and became a distinctive feature of a trip to Marie-Galante. For tourists and locals, it was the fastest way to get to the "island of a hundred windmills."

Instead of massive expansions, the history of Les Bases Airport is a story of systematic modernisation and maintenance of standards. Its infrastructure, including a runway 1,230 metres long, was regularly serviced to ensure flight safety. In the early 2010s, reconstruction projects to accommodate larger aircraft were considered but were not fully implemented. Thus, the airport retained its charm and functionality as a small regional hub.

An important event in the recent history of the airport was the cessation of regular commercial flights. This step changed its role but did not diminish its significance. Today, Les Bases continues to operate, focusing on serving private and business aviation, training flights, and carrying out critical humanitarian missions, such as urgent medical evacuation. The airport remains a key element of infrastructure, guaranteeing the accessibility and safety of this secluded Caribbean island.

Marie-Galante "Les Bases" Airport (GBJ) is a small regional airport primarily serving flights between the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago. Given its compact dimensions, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure.

Restaurants, cafes, and shops. The selection of dining establishments and shops at "Les Bases" airport is very limited. Passengers can expect a small snack bar or vending machines with drinks and light snacks. There are no large restaurants or duty-free shops here, so it is recommended to have a substantial meal or do your shopping in advance in the town of Grand-Bourg.

Wi-Fi, lounges, and finance. The terminal has a basic waiting room for all passengers; separate VIP lounges are absent. The ability to connect to free Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is better to have alternative internet access. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport building. All financial transactions should be conducted in advance.

Special services. "Les Bases" Airport provides basic amenities. Standard restrooms are available for passengers with children, but there are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or play areas. Travellers with disabilities are strongly advised to contact their airline in advance to arrange necessary assistance, as on-site infrastructure for providing comprehensive support is minimal. There is no separate medical point at the airport.

Business services and hotels. There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres at the airport or in its immediate vicinity. Accommodation options can be found in various parts of Marie-Galante island, which can be reached from the airport by taxi.

Marie-Galante Airport (GBJ), located near the town of Grand-Bourg, is a small regional aviation hub primarily serving flights within the Guadeloupe archipelago. Due to its compact size and focus on short flights, the choice of dining establishments on its premises is quite limited. Passengers departing from here are advised to plan their itinerary with this feature in mind.

Typically, a small snack bar or cafe operates in the airport's single terminal. This is the main place where you can have a bite to eat while waiting for a flight. The assortment usually includes standard options for a quick snack: sandwiches, fresh pastries, crisps, and other light bites. Beverages available include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water. This is quite sufficient to satisfy mild hunger before a flight.

If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner or want to try local Creole cuisine, it is better to do so before arriving at the airport. In Grand-Bourg itself, you will find many restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood, grilled fish, and other traditional delicacies. Finding specialised meals, including vegetarian, vegan, or Halal options, in the airport snack bar will be extremely difficult.

The dining establishment at Marie-Galante Airport is located in the public area (landside), accessible to all visitors before passing security control. Prices here may be slightly higher than in town, which is standard practice for airports. The cafe's opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so during quiet periods between departures, it may be closed.

To ensure your journey through Les Bases Airport in Grand-Bourg goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. The airport serves mainly regional flights, so it is small and cosy, but preparation is never superfluous. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even during peak season.

To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security if you are travelling light. The security procedure is standard, but due to the airport's compact size, queues here move quickly. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat — take-off and landing offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the islands of Guadeloupe.

Hand luggage rules comply with international standards: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag), and no sharp objects. Given the island location, it is useful to pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage — just in case your main luggage is delayed.

Passengers arriving from non-EU countries must pass customs control. Be prepared to declare goods exceeding established limits, particularly regarding local produce. If you have a transfer to another flight, check with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. In small airports, this procedure may differ.

To save money, consider pre-booking a taxi or transfer, as "on-the-spot" prices may be higher. Also, bring a portable charger, as the number of power outlets in the waiting lounge may be limited. To avoid extra spending on water and snacks, you can bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing security.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on departure status and your rights. Passengers departing to the EU or on flights by European airlines may be entitled to compensation under EU261 regulations. Since the airport is small, opportunities for long waits are limited, so having a book, downloaded films, or music will help pass the time comfortably.