Lorient South Brittany Airport (LRT/LFRH): Your Premier Gateway to the Morbihan Coast
Lorient South Brittany Airport (LRT/LFRH), officially Aéroport de Lorient Bretagne Sud, is a pivotal regional hub located in Ploemeur, merely 5 km from the vibrant maritime city of Lorient. It serves as an essential link for both business travelers and tourists seeking to explore the picturesque Morbihan department and the stunning southern coast of Brittany.
Managed by the Edeis group, the airport is focused on ambitious growth. While regional air traffic has recently fluctuated, the management has set a significant goal: to reach 114,000 passengers by 2026, underscoring the airport’s crucial role in regional connectivity. LRT operates on a site co-located with the French Naval Air Base, Lann-Bihoué, which also provides its excellent runway infrastructure.
Current Routes, Airlines, and Connectivity
Lorient South Brittany Airport primarily handles regional flights, connecting this crucial part of Western France to the rest of the country.
- Main Airline & Direct Destination: The primary operator for scheduled commercial service is currently APG Airlines, offering a direct, seasonal route to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). This route is essential for linking the Morbihan business community and providing connections to Southern France.
- Connectivity: While direct international routes are currently limited, the connections available via Toulouse, Paris (Orly, CDG), and other major French hubs ensure seamless onward travel to key European destinations like London, Rome, and Barcelona, making Lorient accessible worldwide.
- Historic Operators: The airport has previously hosted major carriers such as Air France and Ryanair. Travelers should check the official airport website for the most up-to-date flight schedules and partnerships.
Terminal Facilities and Essential Passenger Services
LRT features a modern, yet streamlined passenger terminal designed for efficiency and convenience, with an annual handling capacity of up to 500,000 passengers. The terminal building covers 3,600 m² across two levels.
- Amenities: Essential passenger services include a dedicated on-site café and free Wi-Fi access throughout the building.
- Accessibility: Services for passengers with reduced mobility are available. Travelers are strongly advised to contact the airport or their airline in advance (PNR 72 hours) to arrange specialized assistance.
- Operating Hours: The airport typically operates for commercial, business, and private flights between 08:00 and 18:00 (8 AM to 6 PM).
- Business & Private Aviation (FBO): As a strategic regional platform, LRT offers specialized Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services through Edeis/ExecuJet. These services cater to private and business aviation clients with dedicated handling, bespoke ground services, and cosy private rooms.
Ground Transportation and Parking Solutions
The airport’s location in Ploemeur ensures quick and easy access to Lorient city center, located just 5 km away.
- Taxi Services: A taxi ride offers the fastest connection, taking approximately 10 minutes to reach the city center, with an estimated fare of €10–€15 (or approx. $10-16 USD).
- Public Bus: An affordable bus service links the airport directly to Lorient in about 10 minutes, with a ticket price of approximately €1.50.
- Car Rental: Reputable car rental agencies, including Hertz and Avis, have desks on-site, providing flexibility for exploring the greater Brittany region’s attractions, from the Gulf of Morbihan to the Quiberon Peninsula.
- Parking: Secure, paid parking facilities are conveniently located adjacent to the terminal building.
Discover Lorient and the Morbihan Region
Lorient, known as the “City of Five Ports” (fishing, commercial, passenger, sailing, and military), is a destination rich in maritime history and culture, easily accessible via the airport.
- Cultural Highlights: Don’t miss the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, a multi-media exhibition dedicated to competitive sailing, and the historically significant Lorient Submarine Base Museum (Base Sous-Marine de Keroman), a massive remnant of World War II history.
- World-Class Events: The city hosts the internationally famous Festival Interceltique de Lorient every summer, drawing close to 700,000 visitors from Celtic nations worldwide.
- Natural Beauty: The airport is the ideal starting point for exploring the stunning coastal landscapes and the beautiful, white sandy beaches of Groix Island, Brittany’s second-largest island, just a short ferry ride away.
Official Contact Details
For direct inquiries and corporate correspondence:
- Address: F-56270 Ploemeur, FRANCE
- Telephone: +33 2 97 87 21 50
- Official Website: www.lorient.aeroport.fr
- IATA Code: LRT
- ICAO Code: LFRH
- Operator: Edeis Concessions