Le Havre-Octeville Airport

Le Havre-Octeville Airport
Name	Le Havre-Octeville Airport
IATA	LEH
ICAO	LFOH
Type	Public
Owner	Seine-Maritime General Council
Operator	Société de Gestion de l'Aéroport du Havre (SGAH)
City	Le Havre
Elevation	95
Coordinates	49°32′05″N 000°05′08″E

Le Havre-Octeville Airport is a public airport serving Le Havre, a major port city in the Seine-Maritime department of Normandy, France. The airport is located near the English Channel and is operated by the Société de Gestion de l'Aéroport du Havre (SGAH), a company owned by the Seine-Maritime General Council and the Le Havre Chamber of Commerce. The airport is also close to the A29 autoroute and the N282 road, providing easy access to Rouen, Caen, and other major cities in Normandy. The airport is used by general aviation aircraft, as well as by airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and Transavia France, which offer flights to destinations like Paris-Orly Airport, London-Stansted Airport, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Overview

Le Havre-Octeville Airport is a small airport that serves the city of Le Havre and the surrounding region. The airport has a single asphalt runway and a small terminal building that handles both passenger and cargo flights. The airport is also home to several flight schools and aeroclubs, including the Aéroclub du Havre and the École de Pilotage du Havre. The airport is located near the University of Le Havre and the Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA) de Rouen, making it a convenient option for students and researchers traveling to and from the region. The airport is also close to the Port of Le Havre, one of the busiest ports in France, and the Gare du Havre train station, which offers connections to Paris-Gare du Nord, Lyon-Perrache railway station, and other major cities in France.

History

The history of Le Havre-Octeville Airport dates back to the early 20th century, when it was used as a military airbase by the French Air Force. During World War II, the airport was occupied by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and was used as a base for bomber aircraft. After the war, the airport was returned to France and was used for both military and civilian purposes. In the 1960s and 1970s, the airport underwent significant expansion and modernization, with the construction of a new terminal building and the extension of the runway. Today, the airport is owned and operated by the Société de Gestion de l'Aéroport du Havre (SGAH), a company that is responsible for the management and development of the airport. The airport has also been used by humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to transport aid and personnel to and from the region.

Facilities

Le Havre-Octeville Airport has a range of facilities to support both passenger and cargo flights. The airport has a single asphalt runway that is 900 meters long and 30 meters wide, as well as a small terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures. The airport also has a range of air traffic control facilities, including a control tower and a radar system. The airport is equipped with instrument landing systems (ILS) and very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aids, making it possible for aircraft to land and take off in low-visibility conditions. The airport is also home to several maintenance and repair facilities, including a hangar and a range of workshops. The airport is close to the A29 autoroute and the N282 road, providing easy access to Rouen, Caen, and other major cities in Normandy. The airport is also near the University of Le Havre and the Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA) de Rouen, making it a convenient option for students and researchers traveling to and from the region.

Airlines and Destinations

Le Havre-Octeville Airport is served by a range of airlines, including Air France, Ryanair, and Transavia France. These airlines offer flights to a range of destinations, including Paris-Orly Airport, London-Stansted Airport, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The airport is also used by charter airlines and private aircraft operators, which offer flights to destinations such as Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, and Brest Bretagne Airport. The airport is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike, with its convenient location and range of facilities making it an attractive option for those traveling to and from the region. The airport is close to the Port of Le Havre, one of the busiest ports in France, and the Gare du Havre train station, which offers connections to Paris-Gare du Nord, Lyon-Perrache railway station, and other major cities in France. The airport is also near the Palais de l'Europe, the Musée d'art moderne André Malraux, and the Bassin du Commerce, making it a convenient option for those visiting the city.

Statistics

Le Havre-Octeville Airport handles a significant number of flights and passengers each year. According to statistics from the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), the airport handled over 100,000 passengers in 2020, with the majority of these flights being operated by Air France and Ryanair. The airport also handles a significant amount of cargo traffic, with over 1,000 tons of freight being handled in 2020. The airport is an important economic driver for the region, with the airport and its related activities generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. The airport is also close to the University of Le Havre and the Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA) de Rouen, making it a convenient option for students and researchers traveling to and from the region. The airport is near the A29 autoroute and the N282 road, providing easy access to Rouen, Caen, and other major cities in Normandy.

Accidents and Incidents

There have been several accidents and incidents at Le Havre-Octeville Airport over the years. In 2019, a private aircraft crashed on takeoff from the airport, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuring several passengers. In 2017, a cargo aircraft suffered a tire blowout on landing, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. The airport has also experienced several incidents of bird strikes, with several aircraft being damaged by birds in recent years. The airport has a range of safety measures in place to prevent accidents and incidents, including a safety management system (SMS) and a range of emergency response plans. The airport is also subject to regular inspections and audits by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), which helps to ensure that the airport is operating safely and in compliance with relevant regulations. The airport is close to the Port of Le Havre, one of the busiest ports in France, and the Gare du Havre train station, which offers connections to Paris-Gare du Nord, Lyon-Perrache railway station, and other major cities in France.

Category:Airports in France