Chambéry Airport

Chambéry Airport
source
Name	Chambéry Airport
IATA	CMF
ICAO	LFLB
Owner	Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de la Savoie
City-served	Chambéry
Location	Voglans
Elevation-f	779
Elevation-m	237
Coordinates	45, 38, 24, N...
Website	https://www.chambery-airport.com/
R1-number	18/36
R1-length-m	2,020
R1-length-f	6,627
R1-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Passengers
Stat1-data	201,000
Stat2-header	Aircraft movements
Stat2-data	18,000

Chambéry Airport is a regional airport located in the French Alps, serving the city of Chambéry and the wider Savoie department. Situated in the commune of Voglans, approximately 10 kilometers north-northwest of Chambéry city center, it functions as a key gateway for tourists accessing major ski resorts such as the Three Valleys, Paradiski, and Espace Killy. The airport is owned and operated by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de la Savoie and handles seasonal charter and scheduled flights, primarily during the winter sports season.

History

The airfield's origins trace back to the early 20th century, with significant development occurring after World War II to support regional connectivity. Managed by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de la Savoie, its infrastructure was steadily upgraded to accommodate growing tourist traffic bound for the French Alps. A major milestone was the lengthening of the runway in the late 20th century, allowing it to handle larger aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family, which was crucial for the influx of winter sports enthusiasts. The airport's operational history is closely tied to the expansion of the ski industry in Savoie and neighboring regions like Haute-Savoie.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal with basic amenities including check-in desks, a baggage reclaim area, and car rental counters. Its primary runway, 18/36, is 2,020 meters long and paved with asphalt, equipped with ILS to aid operations in the variable alpine weather. The apron can accommodate several mid-size aircraft simultaneously, and facilities include a dedicated area for general aviation. Fixed-base operator services are available, and the site is patrolled by the French Civil Aviation Authority.

Airlines and destinations

Flight operations are highly seasonal, with a sharp peak during the winter months from December to April. Key carriers have included easyJet, which operated routes to cities like London-Gatwick, and Jet2.com, serving airports such as Birmingham and Manchester. Charter airlines like TUI Airways and previously Thomas Cook Airlines have also provided flights from various UK regional airports. Summer services are minimal, occasionally featuring links to destinations like Porto via Ryanair.

Statistics

Passenger traffic is volatile and directly correlates with the winter sports season, typically ranging between 150,000 and 250,000 annually. The record year was 2019, with over 230,000 passengers before a significant decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aircraft movements follow a similar pattern, averaging between 15,000 and 20,000 per year, predominantly from mid-size jets on seasonal leisure routes. The vast majority of passengers are tourists originating from the United Kingdom, followed by Scandinavian and Benelux countries.

Ground transportation

The airport is connected to Chambéry city center and major ski resorts by road via the A43 autoroute. Several car rental companies, including Europcar and Hertz, operate on-site. Regular shuttle bus services, often coordinated with flight schedules, provide direct transfers to resorts like Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and the nearest railway station, Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux railway station, offers connections to the SNCF network, including TGV services to Paris and Lyon.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced few serious accidents, benefiting from its location away from major high-density air corridors. Incidents typically involve general aviation or adverse weather conditions common to the Alps. Safety oversight is maintained by the French Civil Aviation Authority and investigations are conducted by the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety. The approach over the Lake Bourget and surrounding mountains requires specific pilot training for wind shear and orographic lift conditions.

Category:Airports in France Category:Buildings and structures in Savoie