AIRPORT GUIDE: Toulouse, what passengers can expect

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Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, located 6.7 kilometres northwest of Toulouse’s city centre in Blagnac, serves as a welcoming gateway to southwestern France, handling 7.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is easily accessible via several transport options. The Airport Shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes from Hall B, reaching key city points like Compans-Caffarelli, Jeanne d’Arc, and Toulouse-Matabiau railway station in 20–45 minutes for £8, with tickets valid across the Tisséo metro, tram, and bus network.

Taxis, available outside the arrivals hall, take 15–25 minutes to the city centre for £25–£45, depending on traffic. Car rentals from Avis, Budget, Hertz, and others are located in Hall C, with booking advised during summer. For passengers with reduced mobility, assistance is available if requested 48 hours in advance, with call points at main entrances and accessible transport options.

The airport’s single terminal, spread across three levels and four halls (A, B, C, D), is designed for efficiency. Hall A serves regional flights with 14 check-in counters, Hall B handles domestic routes, Hall C caters to international flights, and Hall D, with 24 counters and 13 gates, manages both. A 2021 expansion added a 2,500-square-metre pier to Hall A for low-cost carriers, and a single security checkpoint in Hall D streamlines processing. Clear signage aids navigation, but security queues can reach 45 minutes during peak summer periods or early mornings. Non-Schengen arrivals may face passport control delays of up to 30 minutes, so travellers should arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. Bus-boarding for some flights involves a short outdoor walk.

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On-time performance is generally reliable, with 0.47% of flights delayed and 2.26% cancelled in 2023, according to Flightright data. Real-time updates are available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Delays may stem from summer crowds, winter weather, or occasional air traffic control issues. The airport serves 84 destinations across 32 airlines, including Air France, easyJet, and Ryanair, with frequent flights to Paris, London, and Lisbon. Minimum connection times are 40 minutes for all flight types, making transfers efficient, though non-Schengen passengers should account for border checks.

Dining and retail options are diverse, particularly in the 1,800-square-metre commercial area between Halls A and B. A Dufry-operated duty-free shop offers perfumes and regional wines, while eateries like Café Rosin and La Terrasse serve French cuisine and snacks from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. A central island in the duty-free store features a Citroën van showcasing local products. Terminal D’s third floor has restaurants with runway views, and a 24-hour kiosk provides essentials. Prices can be high, so bringing snacks is a budget-friendly option.

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Facilities enhance the passenger experience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, with work areas and charging points in Hall A’s new jetty. The La Croix du Sud Lounge in Hall C, open 5:15 am to 9:00 pm (8:00 pm Saturdays, 5:45 am Sundays), offers refreshments for £25.

A children’s play area, mother-and-child room, and prayer room are available, alongside baggage wrapping and lost property services in Hall D. Over 2,000 parking spaces, including Proxi Parcs near Hall D, start at £4 per hour, with reservations possible online. The airport operates 24/7, but nearby hotels like the Radisson Blu, directly connected to the terminal, suit layovers. Accessibility features include dedicated counters in Hall C and wheelchair assistance.

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