Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, also known as Lyon-Satolas Airport, is the primary international airport serving Lyon, the third-largest city in France. Here are some detailed points about the airport:
History
- Opening: The airport was inaugurated on April 12, 1975, under the name Lyon-Satolas Airport, named after the nearby commune of Satolas-et-Bonce.
- Renaming: In 2000, it was renamed Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport in honor of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famous French writer and pioneering aviator.
- Expansion: The airport has seen several expansions and upgrades over the years to accommodate the growing number of passengers and improve its infrastructure.
Location
The airport is located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of central Lyon in the Rhône-Alpes region, in the commune of Colombier-Saugnieu.
Facilities
- Terminals: There are three main passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1: Primarily for international flights.
- Terminal 2: Used by Air France and its partners.
- Terminal 3: Mostly for charter and low-cost carriers.
- Runways: The airport has two runways, allowing for a high volume of traffic and flexibility in operations.
- Transportation:
- Rhônexpress tramway provides a direct link between the airport and Lyon-Part-Dieu train station.
- Bus services, taxis, and car rental services are available.
Operations
- Airlines: The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air France, and is a base for EasyJet.
- Destinations: It offers flights to over 120 destinations worldwide, with connections to major European cities, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Passenger Traffic: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry is one of the busiest airports in France, handling over 9 million passengers annually.
Notable Features
- Architecture: The airport's design, particularly its distinctive roof, was inspired by the wings of an aircraft, a homage to Saint-Exupéry.
- Art: The airport features various art installations, including works by artists like Daniel Buren and Jean-Michel Othoniel.
External Links
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