Perpignan Airport Arrivals (PGF)

Perpignan Airport handles between 350,000 and 450,000 passengers per annum, and is found in southern France, nearby the Mediterranean sea. Passengers arriving at the airport are visitors of Perpignan city, or other nearby towns in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of the country. The airport is also located in the famous Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, which is the third most visited area in the country, with numerous tourist attractions. In the Pyrénées, there are ski resorts, lovely beaches, historical buildings of interest, natural attractions and many other wonderful sights. Perpignan arrival area is well equipped for its passengers, and a number of transport options are available for those arriving at the airport as well.

The airport of Perpignan is located approximately 5km, or 3 miles northwest of the city centre of Perpignan, and is particularly nearby to the commune of Rivesaltes. The airport’s official name is therefore the Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport. It has the IATA code of PGF, and could also be referred to as the Llabanère Airport. Other areas nearby include Peyrestortes, Bompas, Pia, Saint-Estève, Baixas and Espira-de-l’Agly. South of Perpignan is Argelès-sur-Mer, Elne and Le Boulou, as well as the Spanish border, and just beyond, the cities of Figueres and Girona. Barcelona, a very important city in Spain, is less than a two hour drive from the airport. In the north, the significant French cities of Narbonne, Beziers and Montpellier are found along the coast. Nimes and Avignon are little further north, and just inland of the coastal cities. Toulouse and Carcassonne lie north-west of Perpignan.

Passengers can fly to Perpignan on flights offered by Ryanair, Air France, Flybe, Aer Lingus and Bmibaby, and the routes most popular are those between Paris and Perpignan, and the United Kingdom (London, Manchester, Birmingham and Southampton) and Perpignan. Brussels-South Charleroi is another destination linked to the airport. The majority of the airport’s passengers are national, flying to and from Paris, but a significant number of international passengers make use of the airport as well. Although 2010 was not the best year in terms of passenger traffic for Perpignan, it still received over 350,000 passengers, and is sure to expect larger volumes in future years.

The Perpignan Airport arrival area is part of the single passenger terminal, which measures a total of 1,715 square metres, and has a capacity for up to 700,000 passengers per annum. Similar to many other French airports, the arrival hall is on the opposite end of the concourse to the departure area, and is found on the ground floor. All passengers of the airport, whether they are arriving or departing, can therefore easily make use of all the facilities available. There is a restaurant on the first floor of the building, a bar/café on the ground floor and most of the airport shops are found on the ground floor as well. There are meeting rooms for corporate passengers arriving at the airport who need a place to work, or host a function, and ATMs are available. A newsagent and bookstore sells reading material, and tourist information desks offer further information on the tourist attractions in the area. There is also a general information desk in the arrival area. The Perpignan Airport arrival hall is not very large, consisting of a passport control area and a single baggage reclaim carousel, and passengers will simply disembark down steps from the airplane to the tarmac, and walk the few yards to the airport building.

The airport is well equipped to handle disabled passengers, and has a number of facilities to ensure their comfort. In all areas there are suitable toilet facilities, and an elevator provides access to the upper levels of the building. There are lowered information counters, public payphones and pavement ramps, as well as reserved car parking spaces. Wheelchairs can be organised, and further assistance is possible to arrange in advance from your airline company.

Within the arrival area, there are car hire companies for passengers who would like to rent a car to travel the region. A private car is often considered to be the best way to fully explore this region of France. The companies available include Sixt, Avis, Hertz, National, Alamo, Europcar, Auto Europa and Budget. Their rental counters are open during times when there are arrival flights at the airport, and the rented cars are parked in the P2 car park, located next to the terminal building. The A9 Autoroute is used from the airport for access to Perpignan and all areas further south of the city, as well as to travel north, towards Narbonne. It is quite possible to drive in the city of Perpignan as well, but be careful to always obey all parking and speed regulations.

Alternatively, arriving passengers can take the local bus, departing approximately fifteen minutes after each arrival flight, to the city centre, bus station and train station of Perpignan. The local buses are cost effective, and a convenient way to reach the city. Taxis are found in the taxi rank outside of the arrival area, or a private transfer can be arranged in advance of your arrival. There is no train station at the airport. If you are staying at a hotel, perhaps find out if they provide free transport to or from the airport.

Live Perpignan arrivals can be viewed on various online websites, or passengers can find out more information by contacting the airport at +33 4 68 52 60 70.