Andorra and Catalonia prepare a new chapter for the airport with direct flights to Paris

Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport will begin 2027 with a new direct connection to Paris-Orly, adding to its existing scheduled flights to Madrid and Palma.

French airline Chalair Aviation will take over operations on January 1, initially offering two weekly flights to each destination, with plans to gradually expand services throughout the year.

The Government of Andorra and the Government of Catalonia held a meeting on Friday, November 13, to coordinate preparations for the airport's next phase of development, which comes amid growing aviation activity.

Between January and October 2026, the airport recorded 6,357 aircraft movements and 17,223 passengers, representing increases of 23.7% and 9.2%, respectively, compared with the same period last year.

In fact, the airport has already exceeded the total number of aircraft movements recorded throughout 2025, when it registered 6,091 operations.

Direct flights to Paris, Madrid and Palma from January

The new flight programme, awarded to Chalair Aviation for the 2027–2030 period, will maintain existing routes to Madrid and Palma while introducing a third destination: Paris-Orly.

According to the Andorran Government, each of the three routes will initially operate twice a week from January 1, 2027.

The airline is also expected to progressively increase its services throughout the year, while an aircraft will be permanently based at the airport, helping support the development of the new flight schedule.

The aim is to improve Andorra's international connectivity and strengthen the airport's role as a strategic transport hub for the Pyrenees.

Andorra and Catalonia coordinate preparations for the new operations

Friday's meeting was attended by Andorra's Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility, David Forné, and Director of Energy and Transport Carles Miquel.

Representing the Government of Catalonia were Secretary for Mobility and Infrastructure and President of Aeroports de Catalunya, Manel Nadal i Farreras, Director of Aeroports de Catalunya Jordi Candela, and Director of Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport Òscar Madrid.

During the meeting, both delegations reviewed the timetable for the measures required to ensure the successful launch of the new air services.

Both administrations believe the airport should help improve Andorra's connections with international destinations, reduce the geographical isolation of the Pyrenees and support regional economic development.

New aircraft de-icing and fuel services to upgrade the airport

One of the main priorities is adapting airport facilities to meet the new airline's operational requirements and strengthening the airport's capacity during the winter months.

Among the most significant improvements is the introduction of an aircraft de-icing service, particularly important for a mountain airport exposed to low temperatures and challenging weather conditions.

Staff training is scheduled for early December, while authorisation from the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) is still pending and is expected to be granted during the same month.

Meanwhile, the Government of Catalonia is working to introduce a pressurised aircraft refuelling service from January 1, 2027.

These improvements will complement projects already completed, including new hangars and facilities for the Special Operations Support Group (GRAE).

Air traffic control services expected in May 2027

Another major development planned for the airport is the introduction of a dedicated air traffic control service, which is expected to become operational in May 2027.

The project involves adapting the surrounding airspace, training air traffic controllers and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

The introduction of this service is intended to strengthen operational safety and improve the management of air traffic, particularly as the airport prepares for additional scheduled flights.

Together, these measures form part of a broader strategy to establish Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport as a key gateway to Andorra and the Pyrenees, with improved connections to major European destinations.

The launch of direct flights to Paris, alongside the continued services to Madrid and Palma, represents a significant step in expanding Andorra's international air connectivity.