By the end of 2023, Bordeaux Airport had recovered 85% of its 2019 passenger volume. This renewed connectivity is driving Bordeaux forward into the future. With our restored investment capacity, we can enhance our infrastructure to meet the highest European hospitality standards, all while confidently pursuing our journey towards decarbonising our operations.
Connecting our region better
As a driver of regional development, Bordeaux Airport reintroduced 93 destinations in 2023, representing 6.6 million passengers. Thanks to larger, next-generation aircrafts and a load factor of 80%, commercial flight movements decreased by approximately 13% with equivalent traffic. The aircraft's excellent load factor is a strong sign that the schedule is in line with passenger expectations.
International traffic is growing steadily (+21% vs 2022). In 2024, 128 direct routes will be operated by 22 airlines, serving 25 countries.
4 routes opened this winter will be extended throughout the year:
►Bucharest with Hisky ►Rome, Naples and Hamburg with Volotea
4 new routes will be available, including 2 for the very first time:
►Athens and Madeira (brand new destination) with easyJet ►Palermo and Verona (brand new destination) with Volotea
Improving the welcome at the billi low-cost Terminal
Improving the customer experience, upgrading infrastructure to streamline passenger journeys, renovations, and adapting to regulatory changes are all integral parts of the significant transformations the airport is gearing up for over the next 5 years. With a focus on minimizing disruption, the initial project will target the Billi Terminal dedicated to low-cost airlines. Construction is set to commence in October, at the conclusion of the summer season. This new area will allow the airport to enhance public reception by enhancing passenger comfort and journey flow, while also expanding commercial options and restroom facilities.
Designed to enhance the passenger experience in the check-in area, this 600 sqm extension, on the city side, will be built in place of the existing outdoor coffee shop without the need for additional ground waterproofing. The new 10-meter-high entrance will feature a bioclimatic design, enhancing passenger comfort. Adjustable louvers positioned in front of vegetation, along with large fans, will promote natural ventilation and enhance air quality perception.
In a broader scope, as part of the "Resources 27" strategic project, the airport company has decided to construct a central building between the two main terminals, A and B, subsequent to thorough considerations on facility expansion. The tender process for selecting the project management consortium is presently ongoing, with construction slated to commence in early 2026. Further detailed information regarding the project will be provided at a later date.
Reducing environmental impact
The acceleration of projects for the transition of our activities was significant in 2023: the beginning of the roll-out of photovoltaic dedicated to self-consumption, thermal renovation of buildings, relamping, launch of studies on SAF with the Bordeaux University Foundation, etc.
Between decarbonisation and the production of green energy, 2024 is a key year to achieve—before the end of the decade—neutrality with compensation.
With the award of level 3 "Transformation" of the Airport Carbon Accreditation, the flagship projects for 2024 include the notification of the selected consortium for the implementation of a solar PV carport on parking lot P4 and the start of geothermal works aimed at reducing GHG emissions by 423 tons of CO2 equivalent per year. At the same time, efforts will continue on electrifying the aircraft stations.
Furthermore, partnering with innovative companies for a more sustainable air transport is one of the airport's commitments. Since January 2024, Bordeaux Airport and Elyse Energy have been sharing their expertise to support, from SAF production in Lacq to refuelling in Bordeaux, the policy of transition towards decarbonised air travel. In 2023, half a million liters of biofuels were distributed at the hub.
