Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (CMF/LFLB): Your Direct, Year-Round Gateway to the French Alps
Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (IATA: CMF, ICAO: LFLB) has firmly established itself as the indispensable hub for accessing the world-class ski resorts of the French Alps. Located in Viviers-du-Lac, just 10 km north of the city of Chambéry and nestled between mountains and the beautiful Lac du Bourget, CMF provides the fastest link for winter sports enthusiasts. The airport is strategically positioned within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, serving premier destinations like Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Méribel, and Megève, which are often reachable within an hour’s drive.
Under the management of VINCI Airports, CMF has undergone significant modernization and rebranding, officially adopting the “Mont Blanc” title in 2016 to better reflect its role as a major alpine gateway.
Location, Overview, and Vital Statistics
Chambéry Airport operates primarily as a seasonal winter hub, witnessing high-intensity traffic from December through April. However, it also supports general and business aviation year-round, benefitting from its proximity to major European capitals. The terminal, with its welcoming Alpine chalet décor, can handle large passenger volumes during peak ski season.
| Metric | Detail |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | CMF / LFLB |
| Location | Viviers-du-Lac, 10 km from Chambéry, France |
| Operator | VINCI Airports (Société d’Exploitation de l’Aéroport de Chambéry-Aix – SEACA) |
| Annual Passenger Traffic (Latest Figures) | Approx. 178,000 passengers (2024) |
| Business Aviation Ranking | 3rd busiest in France for business aviation in winter |
Airlines and Expanded Winter Destinations (2024/2025 Season)
CMF is renowned for its direct scheduled and charter routes, primarily connecting the UK and Northern Europe to the Alpine ski slopes. The 2024-2025 winter season features an expanded network, including up to 20 destinations supported by seven scheduled airlines and various charter operations.
Key Airlines and Destinations for the Winter Season:
- Jet2.com: Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), Leeds/Bradford (LBA), London–Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle upon Tyne (NCL – new route for 2025).
- British Airways: Seasonal service to London–City (LCY) and London–Gatwick (LGW). (Occasional services may also use London Heathrow – LHR).
- TUI Airways: Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Cardiff (CWL – new for 2024/2025), Dublin (DUB), East Midlands (EMA), Edinburgh (EDI), Exeter (EXT), Glasgow (GLA), London–Gatwick (LGW), London–Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN).
- Other Routes: Ryanair (e.g., to Birmingham), easyJet (London/Manchester routes), Wizz Air (e.g., Vilnius, Warsaw).
The airport is also a significant terminal for private and business aviation, accommodating high-net-worth travellers with a dedicated FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) facility.
Modern Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Following modernization efforts completed in 2023, the CMF terminal offers enhanced comfort and efficiency for passengers:
- Shopping & Dining: Passengers can enjoy refreshments at the Alpine chalet-style snack bar and restaurant, or explore a selection of gifts at the Alps Store. A key enhancement is the new walk-through Aelia Duty Free shop in the boarding lounge, enriching the passenger shopping experience. A restaurant, Le Restaurant de l’Aéroport, is also located on the mezzanine level.
- Connectivity: Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal via the “VINCI Airports” network.
- Business Aviation Terminal: A separate terminal offers exclusive services for private jet passengers, including comfortable lounges, customized transfer services, and dedicated customs/immigration on-site during the winter period.
- Customs & Accessibility: The terminal features redeveloped customs control areas and dedicated staff to facilitate border formalities, particularly following Brexit. Full disabled access is provided. Note: Passengers should be aware that the airport may not have an ATM or currency exchange facility on-site; it is advisable to handle cash/currency prior to arrival.
Ground Transportation and Seamless Transfers
CMF ensures efficient onward travel to the city and the ski resorts:
- Road Access: The airport sits adjacent to the A41 motorway, offering quick connections.
- Bus Services: A reliable shuttle service operates to Chambéry city center, taking approximately 15 minutes with a ticket price of around 4 EUR. Specialized resort shuttles are intensified during the winter season to transfer skiers directly to their accommodation.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with a journey to Chambéry city center typically taking about 15 minutes and costing between 20–25 EUR.
- Car Rental: Reputable on-site car rental desks, including Avis, Hertz, and Sixt, offer vehicles suitable for driving in the Alps (often requiring winter tyres/equipment).
- Parking: Paid parking is available for both short and long stays.
Environmental Commitment and Management
As part of the VINCI Airports network, Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport is committed to environmental sustainability. The airport has obtained and maintained its ISO 14001 certification (renewed 2023) and achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 3 in 2022, demonstrating its active efforts to decarbonise operations, including the installation of LED lighting and water-saving systems.
Contact Information
For official inquiries and the most up-to-date flight information:
- Official Website: www.chambery-airport.com (VINCI Airport Site)
- Address: Chambre de Commerce, F-73420 Viviers-du-Lac, FRANCE
- Telephone: +33 4 79544954