โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Roland Garros Airport operates as Rรฉunion 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 Rรฉunion products, diverse dining options from quick-service cafรฉs 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 Rรฉunion'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 Rรฉunion'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.
๐ Connection Tips
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) is the primary international gateway to Rรฉunion Island. Official taxis are available 24/7 at the commercial rank; negotiate the fare upfront or check the fixed rate board (approxRoland Garros is Rรฉunion's main airport, so the arrival pattern is built around road access into Saint-Denis and the island's north side.
Ground transport is exceptionally well-supported; the 'Car Jaune' Bus Line T (Express) connects the terminal directly to the Saint-Denis city center every 30-60 minutes for just โฌ2 โฌ25 to Saint-Denis). Major car rental agencies have a large consolidated center within walking distance of the terminal, which is the highly recommended way to explore the island's volcanic pits and cirques.
Bus Lines ZO and E1/E2 also serve the terminal for links to the southern and western resort areas. Arrive 3 hours early for all international departures to FranceThe airport is the island's main gateway, which is why the road transfer matters so much. For a clean handoff, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Pierrefonds Airport, Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Air Austral, Air France, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Saint-Denis's time-saving link to the rest of Rรฉunion.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE) is a regional aviation facility serving the southern region of Rรฉunion, and its biggest strength is simplicity. The terminal is compact, the curbside area is easy to read, and passengers heading for Saint-Pierre or the island's southern resorts avoid the much longer cross-island transfer that comes with landing in Saint-Denis. For many leisure travelers, that shorter onward drive is the real advantage of using Pierrefonds.
Featuring a single 6,890-foot asphalt runway (15/33) and a modern passenger terminal, the airport handles domestic inter-island flights and regional international services to nearby Indian Ocean destinations. Airside walking distances are short, so check-in, security, and gate access tend to feel quick compared with larger island gateways. That makes ZSE a useful airport for short regional hops where travelers value a clean, low-stress departure more than a long list of shopping and lounge options.
It serves as a more compact and faster alternative to the island's primary hub, Roland Garros Airport, providing convenient access to the Wild South and the volcanic landscapes of the Menabe region. Car rental pickup is close to the terminal, taxis do not have far to stage, and most arriving passengers can be on the road quickly toward Saint-Pierre, Cilaos, or the coastal routes around the south of Rรฉunion.
๐ Connection Tips
Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE) is the secondary aviation gateway to Rรฉunion, serving as a vital regional hub for the island's southern coast. Ground logistics are conveniently located just outside the arrivals hall. A minimum connection time of 45 to 60 minutes is typically sufficient for domestic sectors. For travelers connecting at ZSE, the process is exceptionally efficient due to the integrated terminal design. Rental car desks are also available on-site. Amenities in the terminal include free Wi-Fi, a cafรฉ, and basic duty-free shopping, making it a comfortable but functional spot for a short layover.
Transfers between flights occur within the same building, eliminating the need for shuttle buses or navigating between separate concourses. Always verify your flight status with Air Austral or your specific carrier before heading to the terminal. While generally faster than the island's main hub, Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in the north, it is still advisable to arrive at least 2 hours before an international departure and 90 minutes for domestic flights. Security and border control at Pierrefonds follow standard French and EU regulations.
All passengers must undergo screening, and international travelers must proceed through a dedicated passport control area. The airport operates from a single, modern, and compact terminal building that handles both domestic flights and regional international routes, such as connections to Mauritius. While local Alternรฉo buses provide some connectivity to Saint-Pierre town center, taxis and pre-booked private transfers offer the most reliable options for reaching southern resorts. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on items during security checks.
โ Back to Roland Garros Airport