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Dzaoudzi Airport

About the Airport

Dzaoudzi Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true exotic gateway to the world of the "Lagoon Island." Located on the small islet of Petite-Terre, it welcomes travelers with breathtaking views of coral reefs and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean even before the landing gear touches the runway. It is the only air harbor of the archipelago, and the landing itself becomes an unforgettable start to the adventure, as immediately after leaving the terminal, a colorful crossing to the main island awaits you.
IATA Code DZA
ICAO Code FMCZ
City Pamandzi (serves Mamoudzou)
Distance to Centre ~7 km (including ferry crossing)
Status International
Annual Passengers ~450,000
### Features and Advantages of the Airport * **Unique Location:** The airport is situated on Petite-Terre, an island adjacent to the capital. To reach Mamoudzou, travelers must use the famous ferry, which locals call "La Barge." This short sea voyage is an excellent way to immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the archipelago. * **Scenic Landing:** The approach into Dzaoudzi is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. The aircraft descends directly over one of the largest closed lagoons in the world, offering panoramic views of the barrier reef and the green hills of the islands. * **Modern Terminal:** The passenger terminal, renovated in 2014, was designed taking into account the local climate and traditions. Its architecture utilizes a lot of natural wood, and open spaces provide natural ventilation, creating a sense of lightness and proximity to nature. * **Comfort and Services:** Despite its compact size, the airport offers everything necessary: from car rental desks to shops with local souvenirs and cafés where you can enjoy a coffee before your flight while taking in the tropical breeze.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: www.aeroport-mayotte.com
  • Information Desk Phone: +262 269 60 10 24
  • Address: Aéroport de Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi, BP 3, 97615 Pamandzi, Mayotte
  • Email: For general inquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
  • Social Media: The official airport page can be found on Facebook under the name "Aéroport de Mayotte - Edeis".
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must immediately contact your airline's baggage tracing service at the airport. For items left in the terminal, please contact the Lost and Found service (Objets Trouvés) by phone at +262 269 60 83 23 or by email: objets-trouves@mayotte.aeroport.fr.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance, you can call the main airport information desk number or use the feedback form on the website.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (DZA) from Mamoudzou is a small adventure in itself, as the airport is located on the island of Petite-Terre ("Small Land"), while the capital is on the main island of Grande-Terre ("Big Land"). A key element of any route is the ferry crossing (barge) that connects the two islands. When planning your trip, be sure to account for the ferry time.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get around Mayotte is by shared taxis, known as "taxi-brousse". These are minivans that ply specific routes without a strict schedule. You will first need to take such a taxi to the ferry terminal in Mamoudzou, then cross the channel by ferry (about 15-20 minutes), and on Petite-Terre take another taxi to the airport, which is just a few minutes' drive away. This option is the cheapest but requires a buffer of time. There are no trains or metro on the island.

Taxi and Transfer

A standard taxi is a more comfortable and predictable option. The route will be the same: a taxi ride to the ferry terminal in Mamoudzou, a walk-on ferry crossing, and then another short taxi ride on Petite-Terre to the airport terminal building. The cost of a taxi ride to the ferry in Mamoudzou will be around 10-15 Euros, and from the ferry to the airport on Petite-Terre — another 5-10 Euros. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which can be organized as a complete service, although the driver will likely be waiting for you on the other side of the channel.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to explore the island by car, renting a vehicle is an excellent choice. You can rent a car in Mamoudzou and drive to the airport yourself. To do this, you will need to board the ferry designed for vehicle transport. The cost of the crossing for a passenger car is about 15 Euros (passengers usually travel for free). Please note that there may be queues for the ferry during peak hours. Dzaoudzi Airport has paid parking where you can leave your car for short or long periods.

Total Travel Time and Recommendations

Despite the short distance, the entire journey from the center of Mamoudzou to the airport usually takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This time includes the trip to the ferry, potential waiting time, the crossing itself, and the short trip to the terminal. It is strongly recommended to leave in advance, especially if you have an international flight, to avoid rushing due to possible delays at the ferry crossing.

Terminals and Map

Dzaoudzi Airport (DZA) is a compact and modern aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Travelers need not worry about complex navigation: the airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, finding your way around is very easy, even if you have arrived for the first time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general hall with several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening and passport control area, beyond which lies a small but cozy departure lounge. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and includes baggage claim belts and customs control. All functional zones are within walking distance of each other, and transitions between them take just a few minutes.

Completing all formalities typically does not take much time due to the airport's small size. However, queues may arise during peak hours or when check-in opens for multiple flights simultaneously. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in French and English. The main feature travelers should consider is the airport's location on the island of Petite-Terre. To reach the capital Mamoudzou, located on the main island of Grande-Terre, you must take a taxi to the ferry crossing (about 5 minutes) after leaving the airport, and then cross the channel on a barge (15-20 minutes).

Airport History

The history of Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (DZA) is the story of a small airfield transforming into the main aerial gateway of Mayotte. Although the first runways existed on the island of Pamandzi (Petite-Terre) earlier, the modern airport was officially opened in 1977. Initially, it was designed to service small regional aircraft connecting Mayotte with neighboring islands and the African continent. Its location on Pamandzi Island, rather than the main island of Grande-Terre where the capital Mamoudzou is located, determined its unique logistics, requiring a ferry crossing for most passengers.

A key stage in the airport's development was the reconstruction in the 1990s. During this period, the runway was significantly lengthened — from 1,350 to 1,930 meters. This expansion was a turning point, as it allowed for the reception of medium-haul jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Thanks to this, direct flights to more distant destinations opened up, contributing to the growth of tourism and strengthening economic ties, primarily with France.

The next large-scale modernization took place in the 21st century. In 2014, a new modern passenger terminal was opened. This event significantly increased the airport's capacity and the level of comfort for travelers. The new building was designed taking into account growing passenger traffic and modern safety standards, making Dzaoudzi Airport more competitive at the regional level.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is related to its runway. Its length of 1,930 meters is still a subject of discussion and imposes restrictions on the types of aircraft it can accept. For example, to operate direct flights to Paris, airlines use specially adapted long-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which are capable of taking off from relatively short runways. Today, Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport is not just a transport hub, but a vital artery ensuring the island's connection with the rest of the world.

Services and Facilities

Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport (DZA), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to ensure convenience and accessibility of essential services before departing on a journey through Mayotte or beyond.

In the terminal building, you will find several cafés and dining areas where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshing beverages. For those looking for keepsakes of their trip, shops selling locally produced goods are available. Passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment can use the services of the VIP lounge, which offers an enhanced level of comfort, snacks, and drinks.

To stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters, passengers can connect to the Wi-Fi network available throughout the terminal. Special stations are provided for those who need to charge their gadgets. The airport also features ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of illness, a medical station operates in the building, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped to welcome all categories of travelers. Mother and child rooms are available for families with small children. Necessary assistance is provided to passengers with reduced mobility; it is recommended to notify your airline in advance of the need for accompaniment. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

There are no specialized conference rooms or business centers at Dzaoudzi Airport. However, for business travelers requiring a quiet place to work, the VIP lounge can be a suitable alternative, offering a secluded space away from the general bustle.

Where to Eat

Dining options at Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport (DZA) correspond to its small size, so the choice of establishments here is limited. Passengers are advised to plan their meals in advance, especially if they have specific dietary preferences. The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal building.

In the public area (landside), before passing security control, the airport's main restaurant is located. Here you can find the most complete assortment of dishes. Typically, the menu includes sandwiches, salads, pastries, and a few simple hot dishes. This is the best place for a full lunch or dinner before departure. You can also order coffee and various beverages here. The opening hours of this establishment are usually tied to the flight schedule and cover most of the day.

After passing security control (airside), the choice is generally even more modest. A small kiosk or café may operate here, offering drinks, packaged snacks, chips, and sweets. This is a convenient option for those who want a quick bite immediately before boarding the flight.

Regarding local cuisine, it is difficult to find it at the airport. However, sometimes the menu may feature dishes with elements of Creole cuisine or French pastries, such as croissants. Specialized vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are rarely available. Travelers with strict dietary restrictions are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices at the airport are noticeably higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most air hubs.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the main airport of Mayotte goes smoothly and without stress, take advantage of our tips. Advance planning will help save time, money, and nerves, allowing you to enjoy your vacation on this paradise island for longer.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport at least 2–3 hours before your flight's departure. This will give you enough time to complete check-in, baggage drop-off, and security control without rushing. If possible, check in online to save time in queues.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy unforgettable views of the coral reefs and turquoise water during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value the ability to stand up freely and stretch their legs during the flight.

Hand Luggage. Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Always check baggage allowances with your airline to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Transfers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance if your luggage will be transferred automatically. Navigation in the airport is simple; follow the "Transfer" signs. When passing customs control in Mamoudzou, remember that European Union rules apply. Particular attention is paid to the import of plants, fruits, and animal products to protect the local flora and fauna.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book your airport transfer in advance. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal can be high, so you can bring light snacks (non-liquid) with you. Traveling light, with only hand luggage, will also save you time upon arrival.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline's counter first. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep an eye on the departure boards for current information and stay calm. There are several shops and cafés in the waiting area where you can spend time.

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