Governance
After having been managed by la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie since its creation, La Rochelle – Ile de Ré Airport and Rochefort – Charente-Maritime Airport have been grouped together, since January 1, 2019, within the Syndicat Mixte des aéroports de La Rochelle – Ile de Ré et Rochefort – Charente-Maritime.
The Syndicat Mixte is made up of six local authorities:
- Département de la Charente-Maritime
- Communauté d’Agglomération de La Rochelle
- Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Communauté de Communes de l’Ile de Ré
- Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Charente-Maritime
- Communauté d’Agglomération de Rochefort-Océan
The Executive Board of Syndicat Mixte is composed of six members:
- Mr Gérard PONS, President, representing Département de Charente-Maritime
- Mr Bertrand AYRAL, 1st Vice-President, representing Communauté d’agglomération de La Rochelle
- Mr Jean-Philippe PLEZ, 2nd Vice-President, representing Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Mrs Gisèle VERGNON, representing Communauté de communes de l’Ile de Ré
- Mr Vincent POUDEVIGNE, representing Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Charente-Maritime
- Mr Thierry LESAUVAGE, representing Communauté d’agglomération de Rochefort-Océan
Routes
In 2024, La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport recorded a traffic record for the second consecutive year, with 294,150 passengers carried — an increase of 19% compared to 2023 and 26% compared to 2019.
In 2024, La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport became the third busiest airport in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in terms of passenger numbers, behind Bordeaux and Biarritz.
The airport thus confirms its strategy of closely aligning with transport demand, responding to the mobility needs of businesses and residents, and welcoming visitors for tourism-related stays.
In 2024, 3,600 passengers were surveyed in the departure lounge by the MTA consultancy, which is specialised in airport and tourism studies. The survey covered their profile, travel habits, satisfaction levels, etc. Visiting passengers were also questioned about their local spending on accommodation, transport (excluding airfare), food and drink, shopping, leisure, and activities.
Visitor spending during stays made via La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport is estimated at €42 million for the year 2024, and a total of €300 million over a 10-year period.
In 2024, overall satisfaction continued to improve, with 98.8% of passengers declaring themselves satisfied or very satisfied (compared to 98.1% in 2023).
Activities at the airport
During the peak season, more than 280 jobs are based at La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport.
The platform hosts a variety of key stakeholders, including: ground handling company Aviapartner, security provider ICTS, the Lagardère group for catering and retail activities, car rental companies, air traffic control, Customs (for immigration and customs inspections), a Sécurité Civile helicopter, a French Navy helicopter, two aircraft maintenance companies, flying clubs, a helicopter airline, an aircraft manufacturer, and more.
Projects
The most recent expansion and modernisation of the terminal took place between 2015 and 2016, with the new terminal officially inaugurated on 7 July 2016.
At the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, the Arrivals hall was extended to enhance the passenger experience and comply with new customs requirements introduced by Brexit.
In October 2020, the refurbishment of a hangar enabled Elixir Aircraft — an innovative French company designing and manufacturing next-generation aircraft — to set up operations at La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport.
To accommodate the separation of passenger flows (Domestic / Schengen / Non-Schengen) as required by Brexit regulations, the departure lounge was extended. This new facility was inaugurated on 23 March 2022.
In October 2022, a brand-new fire station dedicated to the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Service (SSLIA) was brought into service, further strengthening safety and operational capacity.
Tariff guide
Contact information
Syndicat Mixte des aéroports de La Rochelle – Ile de Ré et Rochefort – Charente-Maritime
La Rochelle – Ile de Ré Airport
Rue du Jura
17000 La Rochelle
Useful contacts
To be put in touch with the administrative services of the Syndicat Mixte des Aéroports de La Rochelle – Ile de Ré and Rochefort – Charente-Maritime:
Head-office La Rochelle – Ile de Ré airport
05 46 42 86 71
For questions relating to your trip, booking plane tickets, flight schedules from La Rochelle:
Open 2 hours before each flight departure
Aviapartner Information and Sales Desk
0892 23 01 03 50 (0.40 € / call)
For general aviation and fuel questions:
Refueller’s office
05 46 42 86 69 / 06 30 24 30 87
If you wish to communicate within La Rochelle-Ile de Ré Airport (advertising display, provision of leaflets, distribution of flyers, animation, etc.):
Sonia MOREL
Regional Manager JCDecaux Airport
06 60 45 53 94 / 05 56 69 44 52
sonia.morel@jcdecaux.com
