Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport (SNR/LFRZ): The Dedicated Cargo and Industrial Aviation Gateway
Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport (SNR/LFRZ) is a specialized, commercially operated airfield located in Montoir-de-Bretagne, just 7 kilometers northeast of the city of Saint-Nazaire, in the scenic Pays de la Loire region of western France. Unlike major hubs, SNR’s strategic value lies in its profound connection to the local heavy industry, serving primarily as a crucial Airbus cargo hub and a center for general and industrial aviation.
The airport is managed by VINCI Airports and operates under the authority of Aéroports du Grand Ouest, emphasizing its role in supporting the region’s economic and industrial dynamism, particularly the massive shipbuilding and aerospace sectors of Saint-Nazaire.
Core Operations: Airbus Cargo Hub & Aviation Testing
The defining feature of Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport is its integral role in the Airbus supply chain. Following a significant €15 million investment by VINCI Airports to modernize the infrastructure, the airport is specifically equipped to handle the largest air transporters:
- Airbus Beluga XL Operations: SNR is a key European node for the Airbus Beluga XL (A330-743L) fleet, which transports massive aircraft components, such as fuselage sections, between Airbus’s manufacturing sites across Europe.
- Aircraft Testing: Due to its robust infrastructure, the airport is also frequently utilized by Airbus for test flights and delivery flights of various commercial aircraft, including the A350, A330, and A320 family. The runway is certified to handle aircraft as large as the Airbus A380.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport has virtually no scheduled passenger flights. Passenger handling capacity is extremely limited, primarily catering to corporate, charter, and general aviation operations, with annual passenger numbers consistently below 10,000.
Technical Facilities and Sustainability
Saint-Nazaire Montoir is equipped with robust technical specifications tailored for its heavy-duty industrial mission:
- IATA Code: SNR | ICAO Code: LFRZ
- Runway: One asphalt runway (07/25) measuring 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide, featuring high-intensity lighting.
- Terminal: A single, basic terminal building with a small capacity, designed to process around 90 passengers simultaneously for general and charter flights.
- Operating Hours: The airport typically operates on extended hours to support industrial activity, generally from Monday to Friday (e.g., 0600-2300Z), with reduced hours on Saturdays. It functions as an International Airport of Entry, with Customs services available upon prior arrangement (PNR required).
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): In a significant environmental upgrade since 2023, SNR has made Sustainable Aviation Fuel (produced from used cooking oils) available on the platform. Airbus utilizes this biofuel (blended up to 30% with conventional jet fuel) for its cargo operations, demonstrating a commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% across the fuel life cycle.
Ground Transportation and Accessibility
While not a passenger hub, connectivity to Saint-Nazaire and the surrounding area is straightforward:
- Car Access: The airport is easily accessible via the D213 road. Free on-site parking is provided directly at the terminal.
- Taxi: A quick and convenient option, the taxi ride to the Saint-Nazaire city center takes approximately 5-10 minutes, with an estimated fare of €10–€15.
- Bus Service: A limited local bus service connects the airport to Saint-Nazaire, offering a cost-effective alternative for the 10-minute journey.
- Car Rental: Services are available from local and regional providers, primarily catering to business travelers and corporate teams.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
Visitors utilizing Saint-Nazaire Montoir are positioned close to the area’s maritime and industrial points of interest:
- Maritime History: The airport is a short drive from the historic Saint-Nazaire city center, home to the famous Escal’Atlantic museum (located in a former German U-boat base), which celebrates the history of ocean liners and shipbuilding.
- The Loire Estuary: The airport’s location near the mouth of the Loire River offers proximity to the diverse port and industrial facilities of Montoir-de-Bretagne and the Saint-Nazaire Port.
Recommended Nearby Hotels:
- Hôtel ibis Saint-Nazaire Centre
- Campanile Saint-Nazaire Ouest – Montoir De Bretagne
- Sure Hotel by Best Western Saint-Nazaire
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding operations, technical specifications, or corporate aviation services, please use the following details:
- Address: Rue Henri Gautier, F-44550 Montoir de Bretagne, FRANCE
- Airport Manager: VINCI Airports / Aéroports du Grand Ouest
- Phone: +33 2 40 90 02 13 (Local Administration)
- Web: (General information is often directed through the Nantes Atlantique Airport/VINCI Airports portal, which manages the facility)