Roland Garros Airport (RUN)

Roland Garros Airport operates as Réunion Island's primary international gateway and the strategic Indian Ocean aviation hub, positioned 7 kilometers east of Saint-Denis in Sainte-Marie at 20 meters elevation, serving 2.3 million annual passengers as the headquarters and primary hub for Air Austral connecting 13 destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean region. Named after pioneering French aviator Roland Garros who was born on the island, this French overseas territory facility maintains vital connections to mainland France while serving as the essential transportation link for this remote volcanic island paradise.

The airport operates through dual terminals enhanced by a new modern arrivals facility opened in 2024, separating passenger flows with the historic building now dedicated to departures, significantly simplifying navigation throughout the facility. Infrastructure includes two asphalt runways: the primary 3,200-meter runway (12/30) and secondary 2,670-meter runway (14/32), both measuring 45 meters in width and demonstrated compatible with wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380 test flight in November 2009.

Terminal amenities provide comprehensive international airport services including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout terminal hotspots, ATMs and currency exchange, duty-free shopping featuring cosmetics, perfumes, and local Réunion products, diverse dining options from quick-service cafés to formal restaurants offering international cuisine and Creole-inspired dishes, prayer rooms, travel agencies, and airline lounges for eligible passengers through membership or premium ticket access.

As the critical aviation lifeline connecting this French overseas department to the world, Roland Garros Airport supports both the tourism industry showcasing Réunion's spectacular volcanic landscapes, coral reefs, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and essential connectivity for the 860,000 residents of this remote Indian Ocean island. The facility accommodates Air Austral's fleet operations alongside Air France and other carriers, maintaining Réunion's economic and cultural connections to metropolitan France while serving as a regional hub for neighboring Indian Ocean destinations including Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles.