List of Airports in Reunion
As of 2024, there are 2 airports throughout the country of Reunion according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Reunion are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Reunion
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gillot Airport | RUN | St Denis de la Reunion | Medium |
| 2 | St Pierre de la Reunion Airport | ZSE | St Pierre de la Reunion | Small |
Major Airports in Reunion
1. Roland Garros Airport (Réunion) (RUN)
Airport Code: RUN
Time Zone: Réunion Time (RET, UTC +4)
Address: Roland Garros Airport, Sainte-Marie, Réunion
Nearby Cities:
- Saint-Denis – 6 miles (10 km)
- Sainte-Marie – 2 miles (3 km)
- Saint-Paul – 20 miles (32 km)
- Saint-Pierre – 48 miles (77 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air France
- Air Austral
- Corsair International
- Edelweiss Air
- TUI fly
- Condor
Annual Passenger Traffic: 2.2 million (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Roland Garros Airport, also known as Réunion Roland Garros Airport, is the main international gateway to the French overseas department of Réunion, located in the Indian Ocean. Situated in Sainte-Marie, just 6 miles northeast of the island’s capital, Saint-Denis, the airport serves as a crucial hub for both regional and international travel. Named after the famous French aviator Roland Garros, the airport opened in 1975 and has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growing passenger traffic.
Historically, the airport has played a vital role in connecting Réunion with the African, European, and Asian continents, as well as with neighboring Indian Ocean islands such as Mauritius and Madagascar. Over time, the airport has facilitated the development of tourism, one of Réunion’s key industries, as well as business and trade within the region.
In recent years, Roland Garros Airport has undergone major renovations to modernize its infrastructure. A key milestone was the 2014 opening of a new terminal building that significantly expanded capacity and upgraded passenger services. As of 2023, the airport handles over 2 million passengers annually, with growing traffic from Europe, particularly France, as well as direct connections to cities like Mauritius, Madagascar, and South Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Roland Garros Airport features one main runway:
- Runway 12/30: 10,171 feet (3,100 meters)
The runway at Roland Garros is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including large long-haul jets like the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, which serve international routes to and from Europe and Africa. The airport’s terminal provides a full range of passenger services, including check-in counters, duty-free shopping, lounges, and restaurants. There are also various ground transportation options, including taxis, buses, and car rentals, to connect passengers to different parts of the island.
The airport’s terminal has undergone significant upgrades, with expanded check-in areas, improved baggage handling systems, and increased seating capacity in waiting areas. In addition to passenger facilities, the airport also serves as an important cargo hub, with dedicated cargo terminals for air freight. The airport’s modernized infrastructure, coupled with its expanded capacity, makes it the central point of air travel for Réunion and the surrounding islands.
2. Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE)
Airport Code: ZSE
Time Zone: Réunion Time (RET, UTC +4)
Address: Pierrefonds Airport, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
Nearby Cities:
- Saint-Pierre – 5 miles (8 km)
- Le Tampon – 10 miles (16 km)
- Sainte-Marie – 40 miles (64 km)
- Saint-Paul – 55 miles (88 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Austral
- Air France
- Corsair International
- Transavia France
Annual Passenger Traffic: 450,000 (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Pierrefonds Airport, located in the southern part of Réunion Island near the city of Saint-Pierre, primarily serves as a domestic and regional airport. It was originally opened in 1986 as a smaller alternative to Roland Garros Airport for handling regional flights. Over time, it has evolved into an important secondary hub for air travel within the Indian Ocean region, serving both domestic flights within Réunion and regional routes to destinations such as Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
Historically, Pierrefonds Airport has been pivotal for travelers from the southern part of Réunion who wish to avoid the longer journey to Roland Garros Airport in the north. The airport also serves as a key point of entry for tourists visiting the southern region of the island, which is known for its volcanic landscapes and scenic beauty.
In recent years, Pierrefonds Airport has undergone several improvements, including the expansion of the terminal and runway. This has allowed the airport to handle an increased number of passengers and a wider range of aircraft, enhancing its role as an important regional airport in the Indian Ocean.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Pierrefonds Airport features one main runway:
- Runway 12/30: 7,874 feet (2,400 meters)
The runway at Pierrefonds is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which are common on domestic and regional routes. However, the airport is not capable of handling larger wide-body aircraft typically used for long-haul international flights. The terminal is more compact than Roland Garros, with facilities such as baggage handling, check-in counters, duty-free shopping, and a small café for passengers.
Pierrefonds is equipped with essential ground transportation options, including taxis and car rentals, to help passengers travel to the city of Saint-Pierre and beyond. Though the airport is smaller than its northern counterpart, it remains an important regional hub for the island, particularly for travelers seeking easier access to the southern part of Réunion.
3. Saint-Denis-Gillot Airport (N/A – General Aviation)
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Réunion Time (RET, UTC +4)
Address: Saint-Denis, Réunion
Nearby Cities:
- Saint-Denis – 3 miles (5 km)
- Sainte-Marie – 6 miles (10 km)
- Saint-Paul – 14 miles (22 km)
- Le Port – 9 miles (15 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (Primarily General Aviation)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Low (Private, cargo, and charter flights)
Airport Location and History:
Saint-Denis-Gillot Airport, located near the capital city of Saint-Denis, is primarily used for general aviation and cargo operations. It is not a commercial passenger airport like Roland Garros, but it plays an important role in the local aviation infrastructure by serving private and charter flights, as well as cargo and humanitarian flights. The airport is located about 3 miles from the heart of Saint-Denis, offering convenient access to the capital and surrounding regions.
The airport’s origins date back to the 1930s, making it one of the oldest aviation facilities on Réunion Island. Over the years, it has been used for various purposes, including as a military base during World War II. Today, it serves as a backup facility for certain types of flights, particularly those that do not require the larger commercial airports.
Saint-Denis-Gillot is more commonly used for private flights, air taxis, and cargo operations, as well as by the island’s government and emergency services. It is also a popular base for smaller aircraft involved in air patrols, firefighting, and disaster relief efforts.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Saint-Denis-Gillot Airport has one small runway:
- Runway 10/28: 4,300 feet (1,310 meters)
Given its primary use for general aviation, the runway is designed to accommodate smaller aircraft, including regional turboprops and private jets, but it is not suitable for larger commercial airliners. The facilities at the airport are basic, with limited terminal infrastructure focused on private aircraft. Passengers typically use this airport for private, chartered, and regional flights rather than international commercial travel.
While the airport does not have the extensive amenities of larger commercial airports, it serves an important role in Réunion’s aviation ecosystem, offering a vital connection to smaller, more remote parts of the island and facilitating critical cargo operations.
4. Cilaos Airport (N/A – Proposed)
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Réunion Time (RET, UTC +4)
Address: Cilaos, Réunion
Nearby Cities:
- Cilaos – 0 miles (Center)
- Saint-Louis – 18 miles (29 km)
- Saint-Pierre – 32 miles (51 km)
- Saint-Denis – 55 miles (88 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (Under construction or proposal)
Annual Passenger Traffic: N/A (Proposed, no commercial operations)
Airport Location and History:
Cilaos Airport is a proposed regional airport located in the Cirque de Cilaos, a volcanic caldera in the southern part of Réunion. While still in the planning or early development stages, the airport is expected to serve the highly mountainous region of Cilaos, which is difficult to access by road. The development of the airport is being driven by the region’s need for better connectivity and to support tourism and local development.
Historically, the Cilaos region has been a popular destination for hiking, nature tourism, and cultural experiences. The construction of an airport in this area would significantly enhance access to these remote parts of Réunion, which are not easily reachable by road, especially in inclement weather. The airport will help reduce travel times for residents and tourists alike, allowing for a more sustainable approach to tourism development in the region.
The airport, once constructed, will help reduce the island’s dependence on air transport through Roland Garros and Pierrefonds airports, while also encouraging economic growth in this rural area.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Cilaos Airport will have one small runway (when completed):
- Runway length (estimated): 4,000 feet (1,220 meters)
The runway is expected to accommodate smaller regional aircraft and possibly light aircraft used for tourism, medical emergencies, and other specific needs. Because of the region’s mountainous terrain, the airport’s infrastructure will need to address complex air navigation challenges. The airport will be designed to handle low-traffic volumes, with limited passenger services and basic amenities.
Given its planned role in improving access to the island’s remote regions, Cilaos Airport will be crucial in helping Réunion diversify its tourism offerings and encourage more sustainable travel to the island’s interior. However, until completed, it remains a proposed project that will take years to materialize fully.