Corsica's Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is the airport in corsica

Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to four commercial airports and six airports in total if military and general aviation airports are included. The four commercial airports are located in Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari. The Ajaccio airport, formerly known as the Campo dell'Oro Airport, is the largest of the four airports and is located 5 km east of Ajaccio, the largest settlement on the island. The Bastia airport is located in the northeast of the island, the Calvi airport is in the northwest, and the Figari airport is in the far south.

Characteristics Values
Number of commercial airports 4
Number of airports including military and general aviation airports 6
Main airport Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport
Airport with the most passengers pre-pandemic Ajaccio Airport (1.67 million)
Second-busiest airport pre-pandemic Bastia Airport (1.56 million)
Smallest airport Calvi Airport
Southernmost airport Figari Airport

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Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport

The airport is the main base of the regional airline Air Corsica, which operates services to continental France and other destinations in France, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Norway. Air Corsica has its head office on the airport property. The airport handles more than 1,300,000 travellers a year, of which a million are French. Spread over 17,000 m², the complex includes a terminal that can cater for 1,500,000 travellers per year.

The airport provides parking for 500 vehicles, regular bus services, and a taxi rank. Car rental services are also available on-site through agencies such as Ada, Avis, Citer, Europcar, Hertz, and Rent A Car. The airport features an information desk in the centre of the air terminal, where travellers can find information about flight times, shuttles, coaches, and other services.

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Bastia Airport

Hiring a car is a recommended option for travellers as it provides easy access not only to Bastia but also to the rest of the island. Corsica has many unique places that are hard to reach without a vehicle. Car hire companies such as Ada, Avis, Citer, Europcar, and Hertz are all represented at Bastia Airport.

The airport offers a pay car park with 360 parking spaces. The first 15 minutes are free, and tariffs range from 3 Euros for up to 2.5 hours to 14 Euros for 18-24 hours. Beyond this duration, each additional day costs 7 Euros, payable at the automatic terminals or service kiosks in the central hall.

Bastia, also known as the City of Art and History, is a coastal resort known for its charming old port, Terra Vecchia, and its imposing citadel, Terra Nova. The city also boasts the largest church in Corsica, Saint Jean-Baptiste, as well as the Sainte Marie de l'Assomption cathedral and the Sainte Croix oratory.

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Calvi Airport

There are several airports in Corsica, including the Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport, also known as the International Airport Calvi – Sainte Catherine. The airport is located in the town of Calvi and is served by several airlines, including Air Corsica, which offers services to continental France. The airport is known for its stunning natural surroundings.

Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport is a relatively small airport compared to others in Corsica, such as the Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, which is the main airport serving the capital city of Ajaccio. The smaller size of Calvi's airport allows for a more intimate and efficient travel experience.

The airport is easily accessible from the town of Calvi and is a convenient gateway to the region of Corsica. It is served by a range of airlines, offering both domestic and international flights. During the summer months, you can expect to see a variety of aircraft, such as the A320, E170, DHC-8, ATR 72, and A319, gracing the runways of Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport.

The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft and has a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience for its passengers. The exact facilities available at the airport are not readily available, but the airport does have a website with more information.

Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport has a rich history, although the details are scarce. It is known, however, that the airport has undergone improvements over the years to enhance its functionality and safety.

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Figari Airport

Figari South Corsica Airport is located in the southernmost tip of Corsica, halfway between Bonifacio (22 km away) and Porto-Vecchio (25 km away). The airport is situated in a jet-set corner, attracting many prestigious and famous people. Figari Airport is a popular gateway to the beautiful spots of southern Corsica, such as the old city of Bonifacio, known for its calcified cliffs, and the fascinating Cauria archaeological site.

The airport provides a range of facilities and services to enhance your travel experience. It features an information desk, where you can obtain information about flight schedules, departure and arrival times, train timetables, shuttles, and other means of transportation. For your convenience, the airport also offers a car park with tariffs starting at 2 euros for 15 minutes and 3 euros for one day. If you prefer a more premium parking experience, there is a secure car park option provided by Europcar.

When it comes to exploring the island, renting a car is an excellent choice. Figari South Corsica Airport houses several car rental companies, including Europcar, Avis, and Air Corsica's partner, Hertz. By renting a car, you can easily access some of the more challenging-to-reach tourist sites that the island has to offer. Additionally, with the Drive + service from Air Corsica and Hertz, you can hire a car when booking your flight at a preferential rate, ensuring a stress-free preparation for your stay.

To make your journey even more convenient, Air Corsica offers the added benefit of unlimited mileage on the island. You also have the flexibility to return your rental vehicle to any of the four airports in Corsica without incurring supplementary fees. This option provides you with the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and create unforgettable memories during your time in Corsica.

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Commercial airports vs. military and general aviation airports

There are several airports in Corsica, including the Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, formerly known as Campo dell'Oro Airport, and the International Airport Calvi – Sainte Catherine. These airports serve the French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.

Now, when it comes to commercial airports versus military and general aviation airports, there are several key differences. Firstly, let's understand the categories of airports:

  • Commercial airports refer to airports that have a significant volume of passenger traffic. They are further classified into two types: Non-primary Commercial Service Airports, which handle between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger boardings annually, and Primary Airports, which accommodate more than 10,000 passenger boardings per year. These airports are typically located in strategic industrial or economic areas and serve as hubs for the transportation of goods and passengers.
  • Military airports are dedicated to military purposes and are often located near military bases or installations. These airports primarily facilitate the movement of military personnel, equipment, and aircraft. They may also be involved in military training exercises and operations.
  • General aviation airports, on the other hand, encompass a broader category that includes all flights unrelated to regular or non-regular commercial aviation. These airports may serve small aircraft, such as ultralight planes, gliders, paramotors, or non-regular freighters. General aviation airports are often beneficial in areas where no large commercial airports exist, providing transport services across national and international borders. They also facilitate regional interstate commerce, allowing companies to ship their products without relying solely on larger commercial airports.

General aviation airports can be further categorized into four types:

  • The first type provides transport services across borders and is advantageous in small areas or remote places lacking large commercial airports.
  • The second type manages regional interstate commerce, offering companies flexibility in shipping their goods.
  • The third type focuses on managing intra-state trade and reducing congestion at larger commercial airports.
  • The fourth type connects communities to the national airport system and offers services such as aircraft maintenance, VIP charter flights, cargo flights, and flight training schools.

While commercial and general aviation accidents share some similarities, there are also significant differences. NTSB accident data reveals that while commercial plane crashes may result in more fatalities and damage, incidents involving general aircraft are far more frequent.

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Frequently asked questions

There are four commercial airports in Corsica: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari. If you include military and general aviation airports, there are six in total.

The main airport in Corsica is Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, formerly known as Campo dell'Oro Airport. It is located 5 km (3.1 mi; 2.7 nmi) east of Ajaccio, the island's largest settlement and capital city.

Air Corsica, the regional airline with its head office on the airport property, operates from all four commercial airports. Other airlines that operate from Corsica's airports include Air France, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, easyJet, Iberia, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, SWISS, Transavia, Vueling, and Volotea.

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