Épinal-Mirecourt Airport (EPL)

Épinal-Mirecourt Airport (EPL), also commercially known as Vosges Aéroport, is a significant regional aviation hub located in Juvaincourt, in the southern Lorraine region of eastern France. Situated approximately 50 kilometers south of Nancy, the airport serves as a critical gateway for the Vosges department, facilitating business travel, private aviation, and regional logistics. The facility is a designated Border Crossing Point (PPF), allowing it to handle international traffic from outside the Schengen Area with 24-hour prior notice. The airport is distinguished by its impressive airside infrastructure, featuring a robust 2,700-meter asphalt runway (08/26) equipped with an ILS Category I landing system. This extensive runway allows the airport to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from small single-engine trainers to large commercial jets like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Despite its modest passenger terminal, the technical capabilities of the airfield make it a preferred site for pilot training and specialized charter operations within the Grand Est region. A key component of the airport's ecosystem is the Aéropôle Sud Lorraine, a developing industrial and business center integrated with the airfield. This zone offers modern office spaces and large warehouses designed to support aeronautical maintenance, agro-food logistics, and high-tech manufacturing companies. The synergy between the airport and the Aéropôle has positioned Épinal-Mirecourt as a vital node for regional economic development, attracting businesses that require rapid air-to-ground transit solutions. The airport is also uniquely linked to the world of mechanical sports, being located adjacent to the Juvaincourt racing complex. This facility includes a professional 3,700-meter technical car circuit opened in 2022 and one of the largest karting and supermotard tracks in eastern France. For travelers and crews, the airport offers a functional terminal with essential amenities, including 80 free parking spaces and coordinated car rental services. While scheduled commercial services are infrequent, the airport remains a bustling center for business charters and recreational aviation, deeply connected to the industrial and sporting life of the Lorraine countryside.