Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) guide 2026: terminals, parking, transfers
By Adrien Moreno, licensed VTC chauffeur and founder of VTC Bordeaux Chauffeur (EVTC #03322012101). Updated May 2026, sources verified: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, Court of Auditors, TBM, Mérignac.com.
3 terminals (Hall A Schengen, Hall B Air France and international, Billi low-cost), complete parking guide (P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, private), onboard services (catering, duty-free, VIP lounges, lockers), 88 direct destinations, history of the airport and Air Base 106 (1910 to today), €140 M transformation programme through 2028, nearby hotels. The complete guide to prepare your flight.
At a glance
- IATA code: BOD · ICAO code: LFBD · 6th-largest airport in France (all categories combined)
- Location: 12 km west of central Bordeaux, Mérignac
- Traffic: around 6 million passengers per year in 2025-2026 (following Ryanair's departure in late 2024)
- 3 boarding areas: Hall A (Schengen flights), Hall B (Air France and non-Schengen flights), Billi Terminal (low-cost)
- 24 active airlines, 88 direct destinations: Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Lisbon, Marrakech, Montreal (seasonal)
- Runways shared with Air Base 106 (French Air and Space Force)
- €140 million transformation programme over 4 years (Billi extension, solar panels on P2 and P4 car parks, modernisation of Halls A/B)
- Distance from central Bordeaux: 12 km, 20-30 min by private chauffeur or car, 35-45 min by Tram A
Before you go: the airport in context
You land at Bordeaux-Mérignac one April morning. Approach from the ocean: your aircraft flies over the Landes, maritime pines as far as the eye can see, then the A630 and Bordeaux ring road. Touchdown on one of the two intersecting runways, shared since 1938 with Air Base 106. To your right, while taxiing, you may sometimes glimpse Rafale fighter jets or Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft from the military base. This is one of Mérignac's least-known features: it's a mixed-use airport, civilian by day, military around the clock.
You disembark. Hall A if you're arriving from Spain, Portugal, Italy. Hall B if you're arriving on Air France from Paris-Orly or Charles-de-Gaulle, or on a long-haul (seasonal Montreal, Marrakech). Billi Terminal if you're arriving from London-Gatwick, Manchester, Dublin with easyJet or Volotea — a low-cost terminal with minimal services but brutal efficiency.
Bordeaux-Mérignac is a medium-sized airport in deep transformation. Peak at 7.7 million passengers in 2019, COVID slump in 2020-2021, recovery to 6.5M in 2024, then drop to 5.9M in 2025 following the surprise departure of Ryanair in late 2024. 2026 marks the start of the largest transformation phase in decades: €140 million over 4 years to redesign the passenger experience, extend the Billi terminal, install solar panels on the car parks, and modernise all the waiting areas.
This guide covers everything you need to know before coming. For the practical side of the private chauffeur transfer (rates, options, meet-and-greet, flight tracking), see our dedicated Bordeaux Airport Transfer page.
The airport in numbers
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| IATA code | BOD |
| ICAO code | LFBD |
| Passengers (2025) | ~5.9 million |
| National rank | 6th-largest in France |
| Airlines | 24 active |
| Direct destinations | 88 |
| Runways | 2 intersecting (shared with Air Base 106) |
| Platform surface | 850 hectares |
| Distance from central Bordeaux | 12 km |
| Address | Avenue de l'Aéroport, 33700 Mérignac |
| GPS | 44.8283° N · 0.7156° W |
| Phone | +33 (0)5 56 34 50 50 |
| Official site | bordeaux.aeroport.fr |
Main airlines: Air France, easyJet, Volotea, Transavia, Wizz Air, British Airways, KLM, Vueling, Lufthansa, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat, Aegean Airlines, Tunisair, Luxair, Air Arabia.
History and identity: 115 years of aviation at Mérignac
The origins (1910-1936)
Aviation arrived at Mérignac in 1910 — just 7 years after the Wright brothers' first flight. The town rented a large area of moorland at Beau-Désert to organise a major aviation week that proved hugely successful. Peruvian pilot Bielovucic completed the first Paris-Bordeaux flight there: three legs across three days and seven hours.
After WWI, the field became a military air station in the 1920s, then saw its first regular civilian flights. First official name in the 1930s.
Air Base 106 (1936-1945)
In 1936, Air Base 106 (BA 106) was officially created. It is one of the first major structured air bases of the French Air Force. In 1938, the city of Bordeaux contributed 7.5 million francs toward building the military facilities — an enormous investment at the time, justified by the expected commercial spillovers.
During WWII, the platform took on a major military role. After liberation, the civilian terminal was gradually rebuilt alongside the military facilities. Since that time, Mérignac has been a mixed-use site: civilian and military aviation share the runways — a rare and valuable arrangement in France.
The aviation boom (1959-2000)
On 8 November 1959, a new terminal was inaugurated, designed by architect Raymond Mothe. Total capacity: 2 million passengers — a highly ambitious target at the time.
Dassault Aviation facilities were inaugurated in 1968 and briefly named after Prime Minister Pierre Messmer (a short-lived name lasting until 1976). Dassault remains a major industrial actor at Mérignac today, with Rafale assembly lines and engineering offices.
In the 1980s-90s, successive expansions, first telescopic boarding bridge in 1987. The airport grew gradually from 1 to 4 million annual passengers.
The low-cost boom (2000-2019)
The major turning point came with the European air transport deregulation and the arrival of low-cost airlines:
- easyJet established itself massively at Bordeaux from the early 2000s
- Volotea opened regional bases and chose Bordeaux
- Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia followed in the 2010s-2020s
To absorb the traffic, the airport built the Billi Terminal in 2010, designed by architects Marjan Hessamfar and Joe Vérons. A low-cost terminal dedicated to budget carriers. Reduced services, minimal structures, low usage fees for airlines. It is this economic model that enabled the traffic explosion.
Growth over the last two decades:
- 2009: 3.3 million passengers
- 2017: 6 million passengers (milestone reached 19 December 2017)
- 2019: 7.7 million passengers (all-time record, +13.3% year-on-year)
The 2020-2025 reversal
March 2020: brutal collapse linked to COVID. The airport ran at minimum for 18 months.
2022-2023: gradual restart toward 6.5 million passengers.
January 2024: major event. Ryanair announced its departure from Bordeaux following a disagreement with the airport over the extension of its low-cost base. The airline cited "cost increases", while the airport management accused it in turn of demanding "unacceptable additional terms" and stated it was following the recommendations of a critical Court of Auditors report on the airport's excessive dependence on low-cost carriers.
Consequence: Ryanair represented 20% of passengers. Its departure caused a 9% traffic drop in 2025, to 5.9 million passengers.
Air Base 106 today
Not to be forgotten: BA 106 remains one of the most important air bases in France. It hosts:
- The 1/91 Gascogne Fighter Squadron (Rafale)
- The 1/31 Bretagne Air Refuelling Group (Airbus A330 MRTT — tankers and strategic transport aircraft)
- Several support units
Military aircraft share the runways with civilian flights. You can sometimes catch Rafale fighters taxiing from your commercial flight — a little-known feature of Mérignac.
2024-2028 transformation programme
The airport is currently in its largest transformation phase in decades. A €140 million programme spread over 4 years, led by ENIA Architectes and engineering firm INGEROP:
- Extension and complete renovation of the Billi Terminal to improve low-cost comfort (critical issue)
- Installation of solar panels on P2 and P4 car parks (renewable energy goal)
- Modernisation of waiting areas in Halls A and B
- Replacement of lifts and escalators (€2 million)
- Doubling of information screens, WiFi strengthening
- Gaming spaces in waiting areas
- Complete renovation of sanitary facilities
Internal project motto: "Together, let's move the lines". By 2027 or 2028, the airport will no longer resemble what it was in 2024.
The 3 terminals: Hall A, Hall B, Billi
Contrary to what one might think, Bordeaux-Mérignac has 3 distinct boarding areas, connected by a covered passage. Always check your terminal on your boarding pass — confusion can cost a lot in last-minute stress.
Hall A — Schengen flights
The busiest terminal, dedicated to intra-Schengen and most domestic flights (excluding Air France and low-cost).
Hall A airlines: Aegean Airlines, Air Arabia, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, Tunisair, Volotea, Vueling, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat, and other international carriers.
Hall A services:
- 2 levels: departures upstairs, arrivals downstairs
- Jet bridges
- More than 10 catering outlets (Starbucks, Le Grand Comptoir, Eat'Shop, Chez Jean, Café News, Café des Grands Hommes, Le Barista...)
- Duty-free shops
- Currency exchange
- Hall A Lounge VIP (accessible via Priority Pass or loyalty cards)
- Lost and found office now relocated to the departure level of Hall B (next to Customs, near bench 46)
Hall B — Air France and non-Schengen
Air France's exclusive terminal, plus non-Schengen flights (passing through dedicated border control).
Typical Hall B flights: Air France to Paris-Orly, Paris-CDG, and the full Air France network (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, etc.), plus some seasonal intercontinental flights (Montreal with Air Transat, Marrakech).
Hall B services:
- Air France VIP lounge in Hall B, reserved for Business and Flying Blue Gold/Platinum customers
- Restaurants: La Brioche Dorée, Ostrea (oyster restaurant — a rare local specialty in an airport, not to be missed), Deli&Cia
- Duty-free shops
Billi Terminal — low-cost
Terminal dedicated to low-cost airlines. The most criticised for its minimal comfort — few seats, few shops, direct tarmac access without jet bridge.
Billi airlines: easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia.
Important note: since Ryanair's departure in 2024, Billi traffic has dropped by around 20%. The remaining airlines (easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia) continue to operate normally.
Billi Terminal services:
- Starbucks
- A few snacks and vending machines
- A single duty-free shop airside
- No VIP lounge
Practical tip: The Billi terminal is widely criticised for its minimal comfort. If you have an easyJet or Volotea flight, plan to eat and drink before security — on-site options are very limited. The good news: complete renovation planned by 2027 as part of the €140M programme.
3 terminals comparison
| Terminal | Main airlines | Particularity |
|---|---|---|
| Hall A | Aegean, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Vueling, British Airways, Volotea, Tunisair, Royal Air Maroc... | Main terminal, most fully equipped with shops and services |
| Hall B | Air France exclusively + non-Schengen flights | Air France lounge, border control, Montreal flights |
| Billi Terminal | easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia | Low-cost, minimal comfort, renovation planned 2027 |
Top direct destinations from Bordeaux
The airport offers 88 destinations in 2026, served by 24 airlines. Here are the most frequent routes.
Domestic routes (mainland France)
| Destination | Airlines | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris-Orly | Air France | Multiple daily flights | 1h15 |
| Paris-CDG | Air France | Multiple daily flights | 1h20 |
| Lyon | Air France, easyJet | Daily | 1h20 |
| Marseille | Air France | Daily | 1h15 |
| Nice | Air France, easyJet | Daily | 1h30 |
Note: since the Sud Europe Atlantique LGV high-speed line opened in July 2017, putting Paris at 2h04 by TGV train, the Paris-Bordeaux air route faces direct competition from rail. It nevertheless remains active thanks to international connections at Paris hubs.
Main European routes
| Destination | Airlines | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| London (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) | easyJet, Wizz Air | Daily |
| Amsterdam | KLM, Transavia | Daily |
| Madrid | Iberia, Vueling | Daily |
| Barcelona | Vueling, easyJet | Daily |
| Lisbon | TAP, easyJet | Daily |
| Rome | easyJet, Vueling | Multiple per week |
| Brussels | Brussels Airlines | Daily |
| Geneva | easyJet | Daily |
| Dublin | Aer Lingus seasonal | Seasonal |
| Berlin | easyJet | Multiple per week |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | Daily |
Intercontinental and seasonal routes
| Destination | Airline | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir | Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, Transavia | Year-round |
| Montreal | Air Transat | Seasonal (May-October) |
| Tunis | Tunisair, Nouvelair | Year-round |
| Tel Aviv | El Al | Seasonal |
| Mauritius, Réunion | Corsair | Seasonal |
The car parks: complete guide
This is the section travellers search for the most. Here's everything to avoid overpaying.
Parking P0 (Comfort / Express)
- Use: quick drop-off or short stay
- Distance: 1 minute on foot from Hall A, directly on site
- Price: ~€4 for 15 min, ~€29/day, ~€167/week
- Note: semi-covered (some levels covered), max height 1.95 m
- For whom: those who want to be closest to the terminals, regardless of price
Parking P1 (Short stay)
- Use: short and medium stays
- Distance: ~2 minutes on foot from all 3 terminals
- Price: ~€24/day, ~€42/2 days, ~€102/week
- Note: open-air car park, max height 2.30 m
- For whom: trips of 1 to 4 days
Parking P2 (Medium stay)
- Use: weekend and medium stays
- Distance: 2-4 minutes on foot from all 3 terminals
- Price: ~€23.50/day, ~€41/2 days, ~€112/week. First 20 minutes free.
- Note: the airport's largest car park (3,377 spaces), 25 PRM spaces, max height 2.30 m
- For whom: weekends and 3-7 day stays
Parking P3 (PExpress)
- Use: drop-off
- Price: free 10 min, then €2 for 10-20 min, €4.50 for 45 min
- Note: 125 spaces, ideal for dropping off or picking up a passenger quickly
- Warning: works are disrupting PExpress access since January 2026 — allow extra time
Parking P4 (Long-stay economy — THE most popular)
This is the airport's cheapest official car park, and by far the most used for holidays.
- Distance: ~1.5 km from terminals, free shuttle every 20 minutes (from first to last flight)
- Capacity: 3,424 spaces (including 10 PRM)
- Price: ~€16/day, ~€20/2 days, ~€46/week with online booking (without booking: ~€63/week)
- Online booking: up to -20% on 5-7 day stays. Booking fee: €6
- Hours: open from 4 a.m., shuttle until the last flight
- Plate recognition: the barrier opens automatically if you booked online
- March 2026 works: installation of photovoltaic panels on P4, ~900 spaces temporarily unavailable. Follow the signage carefully.
P4 tips:
- Book in May for summer departures — P4 fills up fast in July-August
- In case of flight delay, any overrun of the booked duration is charged €15 extra, even for 10 minutes
- No PRM assistance on site (arrange beforehand)
Nearby private car parks
Cheaper alternatives exist, particularly via valet services or private shuttle car parks.
| Provider | Type | Distance | Weekly rate | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector (valet) | Valet | 0 min (on-site drop) | ~€45-60 | None (valet) |
| Park and Trip | Shuttle | ~5-10 min | ~€35-50 | Free |
| Lion Valet Bordeaux | Valet | 0 min | ~€50-65 | None (valet) |
Tip: Booking online saves up to 40% versus on-site rates across all car parks.
All car parks summary
| Car park | Distance terminals | Daily rate | Shuttle | Online booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P0 Comfort | 1 min on foot | ~€29 | No | Yes |
| P1 Short stay | 2 min on foot | ~€24 | No | Yes |
| P2 Medium stay | 2-4 min on foot | ~€23.50 | No | Yes |
| PExpress | In front of terminals | Free 10 min | No | No |
| P4 Long stay | 5 min shuttle | ~€16 | Free (every 20 min) | Yes (recommended) |
| Private car parks | 5-10 min shuttle | ~€6-10 | Free | Yes |
Services and comfort in the airport
Catering and cafés
The offering varies strongly by terminal. Key tip: eat before security — it's cheaper and there's more choice in the public area.
Hall A (public area and airside):
- Starbucks (public area)
- Le Grand Comptoir, Eat'Shop, Chez Jean, Café News, Café des Grands Hommes
- A-B connecting wing: Le Barista — Bar & Food
Hall B:
- La Brioche Dorée
- Ostrea — oyster restaurant, a beautiful local specialty, not to miss if you have time
- Deli&Cia
Billi Terminal:
- Starbucks
- A few snacks and vending machines only
Hours: most outlets open from the first flight and close after the last. The terminals are closed to the public from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. when no flights are scheduled (since October 2024).
Shops and duty-free
- Duty-free: 2 shops (Hall A airside, and Billi public area). Spirits, perfumes, tobacco, confectionery. Open from first to last flight.
- Perfumery: in the A-B connecting wing, opening hours depend on traffic
- Relay: 3 shops (press, books, snacks)
- Looping: travel accessories for children
- Post office: Hall A arrivals level, open Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (excluding public holidays)
Practical services
Free WiFi — Network available in all terminals, 2 hours free per connection, reconnect to extend.
Luggage lockers — Available in the main terminal (Hall A, departures level), 6:00 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7/7. External services like Eelway, Nannybag also offer lockers in partner shops in Bordeaux.
ATMs — Present in halls A and B (arrivals and departures levels).
Currency exchange — Available in Hall A.
Phone charging stations — Present in halls A and B waiting areas.
VIP lounges — Hall A Lounge accessible to eligible passengers via their airline's loyalty policy, Priority Pass, or one-off purchase. Air France lounge in Hall B, reserved for Business and Flying Blue Gold/Platinum customers.
PRM assistance (Persons with Reduced Mobility) — Fully free service, managed by the airport. Contact your airline at least 48h before your flight to arrange assistance. Over 30,000 people assisted each year at Mérignac. The P4 shuttle is PRM-equipped.
Hotels near the airport
Ideal for a very early flight or a layover. Most hotels are accessible on foot or via Tram A/F.
| Hotel | Distance airport | Indicative price/night | Airport shuttle | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ibis budget Bordeaux Airport | ~800 m (on foot) | from ~€50 | No (bus line 1) | 2★ |
| ibis Styles Bordeaux Airport | ~900 m (on foot) | from ~€80 | Free (5 min) | 3★ |
| Campanile Bordeaux Ouest Mérignac | ~1 km | from ~€70 | No (tram A) | 3★ |
| B&B Hotel Bordeaux Mérignac Cadera | ~1 km | from ~€63 | No (tram A) | 2★ |
| Novotel Bordeaux Mérignac | ~2 km | from ~€100 | No (tram A) | 4★ |
| Kyriad Prestige Bordeaux Airport | ~10 min tram | from ~€80 | No (tram A) | 4★ |
Tip: ibis budget and B&B Hotel are the most economical options for an overnight stay before an early flight. Novotel is the best choice for business travellers (restaurant, pool, meeting rooms).
How to reach Bordeaux from the airport
The airport is 12 km from the city centre. Several options depending on your budget, luggage and time.
- Tram line A (since April 2023): 35 min to the city centre, 45 min to Saint-Jean station. Price: €1.80. Every 10 min during the day.
- Tram line F (since December 2025): direct Saint-Jean station - airport in ~45 min.
- 30'Direct shuttle: Hall B → Hall 2 Saint-Jean station, 30 minutes nonstop. Price: €8 full fare.
- Lianes 1+ Bus: Saint-Jean - airport via several Mérignac stops, 45 min, €1.80.
- Taxi: €30-50 to city centre, taxi rank Hall A.
- Private chauffeur with fixed rate: from €45 in eco class, 35 minutes free waiting time after landing, flight tracking included.
- Personal car: A630 exit 11, ~20-25 min outside traffic.
For details (fixed transfer rates, comparison of providers, anti-marketplace approach, formats): see our dedicated Bordeaux Airport Transfer page.
Practical tips by traveller type
Business traveller
- Arrive 1h30 before a domestic flight, 2h before an international flight
- Parking P1 recommended for short stays (2 min walk, precise billing)
- The Hall A Lounge or Air France lounge (Hall B) let you work in quiet before boarding
- Fast track available via certain airlines or VIP concierge services
Family with children
- Strollers: allowed to the boarding gate, checked in hold free of charge
- Changing tables: available in halls A and B toilets
- Security line: flag yourself to agents if you have young children, a dedicated lane may open
- Billi terminal with children: bring food and activities — few distractions on site
- Parking: P2 recommended (no shuttle needed, quick walk access)
Traveller with reduced mobility (PRM)
- Contact your airline 48h before the flight to request assistance
- The service is fully free at the airport
- Wheelchairs available on arrival and departure
- The P4 shuttle is PRM-equipped
- For the 30'Direct shuttle: 2 PRM places available, booking recommended at +33 (0)5 57 77 58 78
Traveller with animals
- In cabin: animal in an approved transport bag, under the seat. Max weight varies by airline (8-10 kg all included). Supplement to pay.
- In hold: transport in an IATA-approved crate. Inform the airline at booking.
- Green zone: an outdoor area is available between Hall A and Billi terminal to walk your animal before boarding
- Small animals (in a basket) and guide dogs accepted on the 30'Direct shuttle
Calendar: when is the airport busiest?
| Period | Crowd | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July-August | Absolute peak | Very long queues, saturated car parks, high prices |
| School holidays (All Saints, Christmas, February, Easter) | High | Significant traffic peaks |
| May bank holidays | High | Very busy weekends |
| Friday evening (5-9 p.m.) | High weekly | Worst slot with Sunday evening |
| Sunday evening (4-9 p.m.) | High weekly | Weekend return queues |
| Monday morning (6-9 a.m.) | High weekly | Business traffic |
| Tuesday-Thursday midday | Low | Best moment to travel light |
Tips for stress-free travel
- Book P4 from May for summer departures — regular saturation in July-August
- During busy periods, arrive 2h30 before an international flight, 2h before a domestic flight
- Use online check-in and express bag drop to save time
- The TBM app lets you track the tram in real time — useful to avoid missing your connection
FAQ
Which terminal for my airline at Bordeaux-Mérignac?
Always check your boarding pass. As a rule: Hall B for Air France only and non-Schengen flights; Billi Terminal for easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air and Transavia; Hall A for all other airlines (KLM, British Airways, Vueling, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat...).
How to get from the airport to central Bordeaux?
Several options: Tram line A (€1.80, ~35 min to city centre, every 10 min), 30'Direct shuttle (€8, 30 min to Saint-Jean station), Private chauffeur (fixed rate from €45, 20-30 min door-to-door with meet-and-greet and 35 min free waiting time), Taxi (€30-50 depending on traffic). For details and chauffeur booking: see our Bordeaux Airport Transfer page.
What's the cheapest car park at Bordeaux Airport?
For long stays, P4 is the cheapest of the official car parks (~€16/day, ~€46/week with online booking). Private shuttle car parks can be even cheaper (~€35-50/week). Book online for the best rates.
Are there luggage lockers at Bordeaux Airport?
Yes. Lockers are available at Hall A, departures level, open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7/7. External services (Eelway, Nannybag) also offer lockers in partner shops in Bordeaux.
Which restaurants are open at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport?
Main outlets: Starbucks (Hall A and Billi), Le Grand Comptoir, Chez Jean, Eat'Shop, Café News (Hall A), Ostrea (oysters) and La Brioche Dorée (Hall B). Most open from the first flight. The Billi terminal is very limited in catering — eat beforehand if you're passing through there.
How to book PRM assistance at Bordeaux Airport?
Contact your airline at least 48h before the flight (ideally at booking). The service is free. At the airport, agents are present at check-in counters to escort you to the aircraft. Over 30,000 people are assisted each year at Mérignac.
Is there free WiFi at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport?
Yes. The WiFi network is available in all terminals. The connection is free for 2 hours. Reconnect if needed to extend.
How much time in advance to arrive at the airport?
- Domestic flight (mainland France): 1h30 minimum, 2h in busy periods
- European Schengen flight: 2h minimum, 2h30 in July-August
- International non-Schengen flight: 2h30 to 3h (passport check, customs)
- Add 15-20 min if you come by tram or shuttle from the city centre
Why did Ryanair leave Bordeaux-Mérignac?
January 2024: Ryanair announced its departure following a disagreement with airport management over the extension of its low-cost base. The airline cited "cost increases", the airport accused it of "unacceptable additional terms" and invoked the recommendations of a critical Court of Auditors report on excessive dependence on low-cost carriers. Ryanair represented 20% of passengers — its departure explains the 2025 traffic drop.
Will the airport be expanded?
Yes, profoundly. A €140 million transformation programme is underway over 4 years (2024-2028), led by ENIA Architectes and engineering firm INGEROP. It includes complete extension of the Billi Terminal, installation of solar panels on P2 and P4 car parks, modernisation of waiting areas, doubling of information screens, and renovation of sanitary facilities.
Going further
- Book your private chauffeur transfer from the airport: see our Bordeaux Airport Transfer page (rates, formats, comparison, anti-marketplace, booking)
- Arriving by TGV? See our Saint-Jean Station Transfer page
- Heading straight to the vineyards: see Bordeaux ↔ Saint-Émilion or Bordeaux ↔ Médoc
- Arcachon Bay on the same trip: see Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon, Cap Ferret or Dune du Pilat
- Périgord Noir and Lascaux: see Bordeaux ↔ Sarlat
Sources and references
- bordeaux.aeroport.fr — Official airport site (flights, parking, services, maps)
- Airport key figures — 2024-2025 data
- infotbm.com — TBM network: tram and bus schedules in real time
- 30direct.com — Direct shuttle airport-Saint-Jean station (schedules, booking)
- store.bordeaux.aeroport.fr — Online P4 parking booking
- Mérignac.com — By plane — Municipal info on airport access
Article updated May 2026. Data and information verified at that date.
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