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Réunion sits 9,400 kilometers from Paris in the Indian Ocean, reachable only by air. Roland Garros Airport in Sainte-Marie handles every commercial arrival, connecting the island to mainland France, neighboring Mauritius, and seasonal routes across Europe and Asia. This guide covers which airlines fly here, where you'll connect, and what happens when you touch down.
Quick answer
You fly to Reunion Island via Roland Garros Airport in Sainte-Marie, located on the island's north coast. Direct flights operate daily from Paris Charles de Gaulle with Air France and Air Austral, taking roughly eleven hours. Travelers from other continents typically connect through Paris, Mauritius, or occasionally Johannesburg, depending on the carrier and season. The airport operates twenty-four hours to accommodate long-haul schedules.
Roland Garros Airport processes over two million passengers each year despite serving an island with fewer than 900,000 residents—a ratio that reveals Réunion's role as both a French overseas department and an Indian Ocean tourism hub. The terminal at 74 Avenue Roland Garros sits just ten minutes from the coastal town of Sainte-Marie and thirty minutes from the capital, Saint-Denis. Most European visitors arrive on the overnight service from Paris, which departs late evening and lands at sunrise local time. Air Austral and Air France dominate the route, each operating multiple weekly frequencies on widebody aircraft. Seasonal carriers including Corsair and French Bee add capacity during July, August, and the December holiday window. If you're traveling from North America or Asia, expect at least one connection—Paris remains the primary gateway, though travelers from southern Africa occasionally route through Johannesburg on South African Airways, and those coming from nearby islands often connect via Mauritius on Air Mauritius. The lack of a United States preclearance agreement means American passport holders clear French immigration on arrival, which moves quickly outside peak morning windows when multiple long-haul flights land simultaneously. Réunion uses the euro and operates under French law, so Schengen-area and EU nationals pass through with minimal formality. The baggage claim sits on the ground floor; car-rental desks and the taxi rank are immediately outside the arrivals hall. Public buses serve the airport but run infrequently, and rideshare coverage remains limited compared to metropolitan France. Because how to fly to reunion island depends heavily on your departure city, booking far in advance—ideally four to six months for peak-season travel—secures better fares and preferred routing. Off-peak months like May, September, and November see lighter loads and lower prices, though the island's tropical climate and year-round appeal mean true bargains are rare.
“Roland Garros Airport processes over two million passengers each year despite serving an island with fewer than 900,000 residents.”
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) serves as the primary international gateway to Réunion Island, located in Sainte-Marie. Direct flights are available from mainland France, as well as several regional hubs across the Indian Ocean.
Follow Route Nationale 1 (RN1) or Route Nationale 2 (RN2) to Sainte-Marie
Use the Car Jaune network, specifically lines serving the Gillot airport stop
Available at the designated taxi rank outside the arrivals hall
The airport operates 24 hours a day to accommodate international schedules, allowing for flexible arrival times. Visitors driving to the terminal should follow signs for 74 Avenue Roland Garros.
Roland Garros Airport operates continuously to support the arrival and departure schedules of international and regional flights. Travelers can access the terminal facilities at any time throughout the week.
Access to the airport terminals at Roland Garros Airport does not require an entrance fee. All costs associated with flying to the island are determined solely by your airline ticket and service provider.
Verdict: Travelers pay 0 EUR for terminal entry, with total trip costs depending entirely on individual airline fare structures.
The period from May to October offers the most favorable conditions for travel to Reunion Island due to the dry, temperate climate. These months provide optimal visibility for aerial transit and outdoor activities across the island's diverse terrain.
Dry, 18°C to 25°C
This shoulder season offers stable weather and fewer tourists before the peak winter holidays.
Cooler, 16°C to 23°C
Peak season coincides with school holidays, resulting in increased flight bookings and activity demand.
Warm, 19°C to 26°C
This window provides pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making it an ideal time for flight and excursion planning.
Humid, 22°C to 30°C
This period marks the rainy season and increased cyclone risk, often leading to more flight schedule fluctuations.
Verdict: The best period for travel is during the dry season, specifically in the months of May, September, or October.
Ensure you have the following in order before your departure to Réunion Island.
Everything you need to know about how to fly to reunion island
Travelers typically reach the island by booking international commercial flights arriving at Roland Garros Airport. Researching your airline options is the primary step to determine how to fly to reunion island effectively.
International passengers should verify passport validity and visa requirements for French overseas territories before travel. All arrivals must clear customs at the terminal located at 74 Avenue Roland Garros.
Entry to the airport terminals is free of charge, with an official entrance fee of 0 EUR. This policy applies to all visitors regardless of their arrival time.
The airport operates 24h to accommodate international flight schedules, meaning there is no single restricted arrival window. You should choose a flight path that aligns with your onward transportation and your plan for how to fly to reunion island.
Yes, the facility is open from 00:00 to 23:59 every day, including weekends. This 24-hour accessibility ensures that late-night or early-morning landings are fully supported.
Major routes to the island often connect through Paris or other regional hubs in the Indian Ocean. Once you understand how to fly to reunion island, you can coordinate your arrival with ground transport or local excursions.
Many visitors book a scenic aerial tour shortly after arrival to view the volcanic landscape from above. Coordinating these experiences allows you to maximize your time once you have successfully navigated how to fly to reunion island.