Pau-Pyrénées Airport has taken another step in developing its air connectivity by launching a call for bids to operate a shared air connection to Paris-Orly. This route, long awaited by travellers in southwestern France, is intended to strengthen direct access to the Paris region without requiring connections at other hubs. Two carriers, Volotea and Amelia, have submitted bids to operate the service under a traffic-sharing arrangement, a public service delegation (DSP) model that combines connectivity targets with economic constraints. The scheme is designed to ensure regular service while keeping costs under control, particularly for leisure and business travellers seeking a direct option to a major international hub.
The Pau–Paris Orly connection is a strategically important air connection for Pau Airport, giving passengers easy access to one of France’s main hubs, from which numerous domestic and international connections can be made. Unlike direct flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, which primarily serve long-haul routes, Orly provides access to domestic, Mediterranean and European destinations, with schedules suited to leisure travellers. The airlines’ interest in this route reflects continued demand for direct flights to the capital, whether for short stays, business travel or connections to other parts of the world. A final decision on the route award could be announced in the coming weeks, once the applicants’ proposals have been reviewed. Once confirmed, the Pau–Paris flights are expected to begin operating in summer 2026 or during the following winter season, with a timetable and frequencies tailored to demand in the regional market and operational constraints.
