Summary
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (IATA: LYS, ICAO: LFLL) is one of France’s busiest airports, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Located about 20 km east of Lyon, it offers excellent opportunities for plane spotting with a diverse range of airlines and aircraft types.
Airport Overview & Operations
Photo (c) magro_kr
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport handles over 11 million passengers annually, making it one of the key airports in France. It serves as a hub for easyJet and a major operational base for Air France, catering to European and long-haul destinations. The airport has a mix of commercial, cargo, and general aviation traffic, making it a varied and exciting location for aviation enthusiasts.
History of Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport
Originally opened in 1975 as Lyon Satolas Airport, it was later renamed in 2000 to honor Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famous French aviator and author of The Little Prince.
Over the years, the airport has expanded with new terminals, improved runway infrastructure, and a high-speed TGV rail link, making it a key gateway in southeastern France.
Main Airlines & Traffic
Benoît Prieur, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The airport hosts a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers, including:
- Air France and TwinJet – Domestic and international routes
- easyJet – Extensive European network
- Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines and KLM – Key European connections
- Air Transat and Emirates – Long-haul services
- Air Algérie and Royal Air Maroc – Strong links to North Africa
- Cargo Operators – FedEx, DHL, and UPS maintain regular freight operations
Airport Layout
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport has three passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 – Handles international and long-haul flights, including non-Schengen destinations.
- Terminal 2 – Primarily used by Air France and Schengen flights.
- Terminal 3 – Dedicated to low-cost carriers, particularly easyJet.
The airport features two parallel runways:
- Runway 17R/35L (4,000m) – Used for larger aircraft and long-haul operations.
- Runway 17L/35R (2,670m) – Handles domestic and regional flights.
Best Lyon Airport Spotting Locations
Views from inside Terminal 2. Photo (c) Steve Knight
- Raised Viewing Area
From the terminal, follow the D517 through the car parks and north towards Pusignan. Eventually the road will turn right at a roundabout and cross the railway line before sweeping left. A small road on the right appears shortly afterwards. Take this, and then turn right again down a track which leads to a raised area of ground. You can see all movements from here, especially if using the northerly runways. The fence can obstruct photographs. - Crash Gate
Head south from the terminal towards the cargo terminal, passing the Ibis Hotel on the way. A crash gate can be found next to a small car park, close to the stored Air Transat TriStar. You can park here or walk from the terminal in around 20 minutes. You can get good views here if aircraft are using runways 35L/R - Terminal 2
Inside the terminal you can walk to an area between the A and B gates where there are large windows overlooking the parking apron. Please note, this is for airside passengers only! - Colombier-Saugnieu
Follow signs on the D29 for Colombier-Saugnieu. This town is on the east side of the airport. When you see an industrial area, turn left at the roundabout to The Belvédère. At the end of the road you’ll find the fence, with views out over the southern end of the runways.
Tips for Spotters & Photographers
- Best Time for Spotting: Morning and afternoon offer good lighting, but the golden hour provides spectacular shots.
- Security Considerations: Always be respectful of airport security and follow local laws.
- Equipment: A 200mm+ lens is recommended for aircraft on the runways, while a 70-300mm lens works well for approach shots.
- Weather Conditions: Lyon has varied weather, so be prepared for both sunny and overcast days.
- Preserved Lockheed TriStar: Look out for a former Air Transat L-1011 TriStar, C-FTNA, which has been grounded at Lyon Airport for many years.
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport offers excellent opportunities for aviation enthusiasts to spot a variety of aircraft in a scenic setting. Whether you’re after commercial airliners, cargo jets, or regional aircraft, there are plenty of great locations to explore.
