Air Austral flights and airline information

Air Austral (UU) is a key French carrier based in the French overseas region on the island of Réunion. As a flagship airline, it provides essential links between the southwestern Indian Ocean and mainland Europe. The main operational hub and home for the company is Roland Garros Airport, located near the city of Saint-Denis.

As an active member of the Vanilla Alliance regional partnership, Air Austral helps strengthen tourism and economic ties in the Indian Ocean. The airline offers a high level of traditional service, combining French elegance with warm island hospitality, making it the preferred choice for travelers heading to Paris or the exotic shores of Mauritius.

The airline's fleet consists of modern Boeing aircraft, including wide-body planes for long-haul flights. This allows passengers to enjoy comfort even during multi-hour transoceanic journeys. The company regularly updates its fleet and implements modern safety systems, confirming its reputation as a reliable carrier.

Air Austral pays special attention to expanding its route network, connecting Réunion not only with France but also with major centers in Asia and Africa. Thanks to convenient connections and quality on-board service, the airline holds a strong position in the international air travel market, offering a unique travel experience in one of the world's most picturesque regions.

• Official website: www.air-austral.com
• Main international contact center phone: +33 825 013 012
• Support phone in Réunion: +262 2 62 93 90 90
• Email for general inquiries: contact@air-austral.com
• Customer support service: clients@air-austral.com
• Address for bookings: reservations@air-austral.com
• Social media: Air Austral (Facebook), @AirAustral (X/Twitter), @airaustralofficiel (Instagram)
• Mobile app: Air Austral is available for iOS and Android users
• Head office address: Roland Garros Airport / Zone Aéroportuaire Gillot, 97438 Sainte-Marie, Réunion, France

For prompt assistance in emergency situations, such as flight delays or baggage issues, it is recommended to use the international support line. The current list of regional offices and additional phone numbers is always available in the "Nous contacter" section on the airline's official website.

Baggage allowance at Air Austral is designed to meet the needs of various passenger categories and depends on the selected fare and route. For carry-on luggage, one main item and one personal item (such as a laptop bag or briefcase) are usually allowed in the cabin. The total weight of carry-on baggage for economy class is most often limited to 12 kg, however, these parameters may vary depending on the aircraft type, so they should be checked in the booking details.

For checked baggage, rules are divided by service classes: Loisirs (Economy), Confort (Premium Economy), and Club Austral (Business). In standard economy class fares, passengers are usually entitled to one piece weighing up to 23 kg, while in business class, the allowance can reach two pieces of 32 kg each. Loyalty program members and certain routes may have extended quotas.

If your baggage exceeds the established limits for weight, number of pieces, or dimensions, the airline charges an additional fee according to current rates. It is more cost-effective to pay for excess baggage in advance through the official website or mobile app. Transportation of special equipment, such as surfboards, golf equipment, or musical instruments, is carried out upon prior request and often requires additional payment.

For safety reasons, Air Austral prohibits the transport of explosives, flammable liquids, and other dangerous items in both checked and carry-on baggage. Before packing, it is recommended to review the full list of restrictions on the air-austral.com website. For travel convenience, try to use durable suitcases clearly marked with your contact information.

In-Cabin Transportation

• Only small cats and dogs are allowed to be transported in the aircraft cabin.
• The weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The carrier must be soft or semi-rigid, waterproof, and have sufficient ventilation. The dimensions of the container must allow it to be placed under the seat in front of you.

Transportation in the Cargo Hold

• Animals whose weight with the container exceeds 8 kg are transported in a specially equipped heated compartment.
• A rigid container meeting IATA standards with a secure lock is mandatory for transportation.
• The maximum allowable weight in the cargo hold may be limited by the aircraft type, so booking must be made in advance.

Required Documents

• A valid veterinary passport and health certificate.
• A certificate of rabies vaccination administered within the required timeframe.
• A microchip for animal identification.
• Compliance with the specific sanitary requirements of the destination country (e.g., France or Indian Ocean countries).

Restrictions and Recommendations

Air Austral may restrict the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces) due to an increased risk of breathing problems during flight. Weather conditions should also be considered: during periods of extreme heat, transportation in the cargo hold may be temporarily prohibited to ensure the pet's safety. Payment for the service is made at a special rate, which is not included in the free baggage allowance. It is recommended to contact the call center immediately after booking your ticket, as the number of spaces for animals on board is limited.

Capricorne Loyalty Program

Air Austral offers its passengers a loyalty program called Capricorne, designed to make every journey more rewarding. Program members can accumulate points for every flight taken and use them to receive exclusive benefits. The program is geared toward individual travelers, corporate clients, and families alike.

Membership Levels

• Essentiel — the entry level, available to everyone upon registration. It allows you to start accumulating points and receiving basic offers.
• Abonné — a level for those who fly frequently on specific routes, offering special fare discounts.
• Premium — provides benefits such as access to business lounges, priority boarding, and an additional baggage allowance.
• Exclusive — the highest level, guaranteeing maximum comfort, personal service, and top priority on waiting lists.

How to Use Points

Points accumulated in the Capricorne program can be exchanged for award tickets on Air Austral flights, used to upgrade service from economy to Confort or Business class, and for paying for extra baggage. Additionally, points can be used with program partners, including hotels and car rental companies. Registration in the program is free and can be completed online on the airline's official website in just a few clicks.

Air Austral strives to ensure maximum comfort for its passengers, offering three main classes of service on long-haul flights. The Loisirs (Economy) class offers ergonomic seats and quality meals. In Confort (Premium Economy) class, passengers get more personal space and enhanced service, while Club Austral (Business Class) provides exclusive lie-flat seats and a gourmet menu.

On-board dining is a point of pride for the company: on most scheduled flights, passengers are offered complimentary hot meals, snacks, and drinks inspired by the cuisine of the Indian Ocean regions. The modern In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system on wide-body Boeings includes a large selection of movies, music, and games on individual screens. Wi-Fi service is available on some newer aircraft, allowing you to stay connected during the flight.

For families with children, Air Austral provides special bassinets (upon request) and a children's menu. The airline also offers an escort service for unaccompanied minors. Passengers with special needs or reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: from boarding assistance to the provision of special meals (vegetarian, halal, dietary), which must be ordered at least 48 hours before departure.

The Air Austral route network connects the exotic island of Réunion with key cities around the world, providing convenient logistics for tourists and business travelers. The airline's main hub is the airport in Saint-Denis, from which regular flights are operated to Paris, Bangkok, and Port Louis.

Thanks to partnerships and its strategic location, the carrier offers convenient flights to cities such as Antananarivo, Mamoudzou, and the picturesque resort of Nosy Be. For European passengers, comfortable connections are available, allowing them to reach the heart of the Indian Ocean from Geneva, Frankfurt, or Düsseldorf.

To purchase Air Austral tickets at the most favorable rates, it is recommended to book at least 2-3 months before the planned departure date. The lowest prices are usually available for mid-week flights. Using the official mobile app allows you to promptly receive notifications about sales and special promotions that the airline holds during low-season periods.

Online check-in on the air-austral.com website opens 24 hours before departure, providing the opportunity to choose the most comfortable seats in the cabin in advance. Pay attention to fare families: the Light category might not include baggage, while the Flex fare will provide maximum freedom if you need to change your travel date. Many additional services, such as selecting a seat with extra legroom, are cheaper when booked online through the "Manage My Booking" section than at the airport.

For a worry-free journey, it is recommended to take out travel insurance that will cover possible risks associated with flight cancellations or baggage delays. If you are planning a complex itinerary visiting several Indian Ocean islands, explore the possibilities of special regional fares offered by Air Austral as a member of the Vanilla Alliance. This can significantly reduce the total cost of your travel.

The history of Air Austral began in 1974 when it was founded under the name Reunion Air Service. The company's initial goal was to provide reliable air links between the island of Réunion and neighboring territories in the Indian Ocean. In those years, the fleet consisted of small regional aircraft that performed vital flights connecting remote communities.

In 1990, the company underwent a major rebranding and received its current name — Air Austral. This period marked the beginning of expansion into the long-haul market. A crucial stage was the opening of direct air service to Paris, which allowed Réunion to strengthen its ties with mainland France. Gradually, the fleet was replenished with modern Boeing airliners, opening the way to new horizons in Africa and Asia.

In the early 2000s, the airline continued its development, becoming the flagship carrier of the region. Based at Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis, Air Austral has evolved into a key player in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Joining IATA and active participation in regional aviation alliances confirmed the company's high status on the international stage.

A landmark event was the creation of the Vanilla Alliance in 2015, where Air Austral joined forces with other regional carriers to improve the transport accessibility of the islands. This allowed for the expansion of flight geography and offered passengers more flexible routes. Today, the company operates one of the most modern fleets in the region, with a particular focus on comfort and safety.

In recent years, Air Austral has been actively implementing innovations and sustainable development programs, striving to reduce its environmental impact. Despite global challenges, the airline remains true to its roots, remaining a reliable link between the exotic islands and the rest of the world. The company's history is a journey from a small regional operator to a recognized international carrier.