Rennes Airport Struggles to Regain Pre-Pandemic Traffic levels Amidst Regional Competition
Rennes Airport, a key regional hub in Brittany, France, has faced a significant decline in passenger numbers, raising concerns about its future growth and sustainability. In 2024, teh airport welcomed just 512,000 passengers, marking a 14% decrease compared to 2023 and a staggering 40% drop from its 2019 peak of 852,000 passengers. These figures, presented by Vinci Airport, co-manager of the facility alongside the CCI of Ille-et-Vilaine, highlight the challenges faced by regional airports in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Struggle to Regain Momentum
The decline in passenger traffic at Rennes Airport is not an isolated case. Many regional airports across Europe are grappling with similar issues, though some have managed to rebound more successfully. For Rennes, the current figures fall far short of its aspiring targets. “We are close to 500,000 passengers per year, while the objectives for a regional airport of national or international interest are rather around 600,000-650,000 passengers, and 800,000 to 1 million within a few years,” explained a representative.
The airport had previously achieved these numbers,with 852,000 passengers in 2019,but the pandemic and subsequent shifts in airline operations have disrupted its trajectory.
Factors Behind the Decline
Several factors contribute to Rennes Airport’s struggles. One major issue is the discontinuation of key routes,such as the Frankfurt line,which has significantly impacted passenger numbers. However, efforts are underway to introduce new connections, including a Manchester route set to launch in June 2024.
Another critical challenge is the intense competition with nearby Nantes-atlantique Airport. Bretillians, residents of Brittany, often choose Nantes over Rennes for their travel needs. “They don’t go ther on camels,they go there by car,with the issue of greenhouse gas emissions behind them,” noted a spokesperson. This preference not only affects Rennes’ passenger numbers but also raises environmental concerns, as increased car travel contributes to higher carbon emissions.
The Region has attempted to address this imbalance by initiating discussions with the State to align Rennes’ roadmap with that of Nantes. Though, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. “The State, which is responsible for Nantes-Atlantique airport, must ensure the balance of airport platforms,” emphasized a representative.
Tax Increases and Their Impact
Adding to the airport’s challenges is the 2025 draft budget, which proposes an increase in taxation on air tickets and airport operations. Such measures could further strain Rennes Airport’s competitiveness, particularly in its rivalry with Nantes. “Tax increases have a significant impact on regional airports like Rennes,” a spokesperson warned. “Some changes could accentuate a form of unfair competition between Rennes and Nantes, which would be contrary to the State’s climate and desaturation objectives.”
A revised Vision for the Future
Given these challenges, the airport’s goal of reaching one million passengers by 2030 appears increasingly untenable. ”Today, I think that this objective is arduous to achieve by 2030,” admitted a representative. “Despite the dynamism and the will of SEARD (the company managing the airport) to develop the facility, we will certainly have to revise the trajectory a little.”
The ongoing re-competition of the airport’s concession,set to conclude in December 2026,provides an opportunity to reassess and realign its strategies. “There is a subject, you have to be both realistic and pragmatic,” the spokesperson added.
Key Data at a Glance
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2019 |
|—————————|———-|———-|———-|
| Passenger Numbers | 512,000 | 595,348 | 852,000 |
| Year-on-Year change | -14% | – | -40% |
| Target for 2030 | 1,000,000| – | - |
Looking ahead
Rennes Airport’s journey to recovery is fraught with challenges, from route discontinuations and regional competition to potential tax increases. However, the introduction of new routes and a pragmatic approach to revising its growth targets offer a glimmer of hope.As the airport navigates these complexities, its ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in reclaiming its position as a vital regional hub.
For more insights into the challenges faced by regional airports, explore how European airports are struggling to claw back passengers in the post-pandemic era.
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What are your thoughts on the future of regional airports like Rennes? Share your views in the comments below.
Rennes Airport’s path to Recovery: Challenges, Competition, and Future Prospects
Rennes Airport, a key regional hub in Brittany, France, has faced notable challenges in recovering its pre-pandemic passenger traffic. With passenger numbers dropping to 512,000 in 2024—a 14% decrease from 2023 and a 40% decline from its 2019 peak of 852,000—the airport is grappling with route discontinuations, regional competition, and potential tax increases. To shed light on these issues, we sat down with Dr. Élodie Moreau, a leading expert in regional aviation and sustainable transport, to discuss the airport’s struggles and its path forward.
The Struggle to Regain Momentum
Senior Editor: Dr. Moreau, Rennes Airport’s passenger numbers have declined substantially as 2019. What do you see as the primary factors behind this trend?
Dr. Élodie Moreau: the decline is multifaceted. First, the pandemic caused a massive disruption in air travel, and while some airports have rebounded, others like Rennes are still struggling. The loss of key routes, such as the Frankfurt line, has been a major blow. These routes were not just about passenger numbers; they were also critical for connecting Rennes to international hubs. Additionally, the shift in airline operations post-pandemic has left many regional airports scrambling to adapt.
Senior Editor: The airport has set aspiring targets, aiming for 1 million passengers by 2030. Do you think this is achievable given the current challenges?
Dr. Élodie moreau: It’s an ambitious goal, and frankly, it seems increasingly difficult to reach. The airport would need to grow its passenger numbers by nearly 100% in just six years. While new routes like the Manchester connection are a step in the right direction, they alone won’t be enough. The airport will need to address deeper structural issues, such as its competition with Nantes and the potential impact of tax increases.
Regional Competition and Environmental Concerns
Senior Editor: Speaking of competition, nantes-Atlantique Airport seems to be a significant rival for Rennes. How does this dynamic affect Rennes’ recovery?
Dr.Élodie Moreau: The competition with Nantes is intense. Many Bretillians choose nantes over Rennes because it offers more destinations and often cheaper fares. this preference isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about economics.however,this choice comes with environmental costs. Increased car travel between Brittany and Nantes contributes to higher carbon emissions, which is counterproductive to France’s climate goals. the region has tried to address this imbalance by engaging with the State, but so far, these efforts haven’t yielded significant results.
Senior Editor: Do you think there’s a way for Rennes and Nantes to coexist without undermining each other?
Dr. Élodie Moreau: Absolutely. there needs to be a coordinated approach at the national level to ensure that both airports can thrive without cannibalizing each other’s traffic.This could involve reallocating routes or incentivizing airlines to operate from both airports. The State has a role to play in ensuring a balanced distribution of air traffic, which would benefit both the region and the environment.
Tax Increases and Their Impact
Senior Editor: The 2025 draft budget proposes tax increases on air tickets and airport operations. How might this affect Rennes Airport?
Dr. Élodie Moreau: tax increases could further strain Rennes’ competitiveness, especially against Nantes. Regional airports are particularly vulnerable to such measures because they often operate on thinner margins. If taxes make flying from rennes more expensive, passengers may opt for Nantes, exacerbating the existing imbalance. This could also undermine the State’s own climate objectives by encouraging more car travel.
A Revised Vision for the Future
Senior Editor: Given these challenges, what do you think Rennes Airport should prioritize to ensure its long-term sustainability?
Dr. Élodie Moreau: First, the airport needs to be realistic about its growth targets. Aiming for 1 million passengers by 2030 may no longer be feasible, and revising this goal could allow for more achievable, incremental growth. Second, the airport should focus on strengthening its unique value proposition.This could mean emphasizing its proximity to certain regions or offering more sustainable travel options. the ongoing re-competition of the airport’s concession in 2026 provides an chance to rethink its strategy and align it with broader regional and national goals.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: What’s your overall outlook for Rennes Airport and regional airports in general?
Dr. Élodie Moreau: the road ahead is challenging,but not insurmountable. Regional airports like Rennes play a vital role in connecting communities and supporting local economies. However, they need to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, one that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.With the right strategies and support, Rennes Airport can reclaim its position as a key regional hub, but it will require collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to rethink conventional approaches.
What are your thoughts on the future of regional airports like Rennes? Share your views in the comments below.
