Tarbes-Lourdes-Paris Orly Route Expands: Now Volotea Boosts Tourism to Lourdes with Increased Flight Capacity

Tarbes-Lourdes, France / Paris, France – Volotea, the Spanish low-cost carrier, has been reselected to operate the French public service obligation (PSO) route between Tarbes-Lourdes and Paris Orly for another four years, extending the contract through 2030. This extension will see the carrier continue its daily service with 2X-daily Airbus A319 flights, providing approximately 230,000 seats annually, amounting to more than 910,000 seats over the duration of the contract.

Since opening its Lourdes base in 2022, Volotea has made significant strides in supporting the region’s travel and tourism infrastructure. The airline has increased its flight capacity on this route by 96%, providing more affordable, accessible, and efficient travel options between the spiritual and cultural destination of Lourdes and the French capital. Volotea is also expected to offer a record 331,000 seats on the route in 2026, highlighting its commitment to growing this vital service and meeting the rising demand for travel to the region.

Supporting Tourism in Lourdes: A Key Destination for Pilgrims and Tourists

The extension of Volotea’s contract is a significant move for tourism in Lourdes, one of France’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Lourdes, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées region, attracts millions of visitors annually, particularly those seeking religious or spiritual experiences. The town is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage destination, and many visitors come to the area for religious retreats or to visit the famous Grotto of Massabielle, where it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

The Tarbes-Lourdes-Paris Orly route operated by Volotea connects Lourdes with Paris, offering both pilgrims and tourists an easy, affordable way to travel between these two important destinations. By maintaining daily service and increasing capacity, Volotea is making Lourdes more accessible to visitors from around the world, helping boost its status as a prime tourist destination.

The increase in available seats means that visitors can enjoy affordable options for direct flights to Paris Orly, one of the main international airports in Paris, making it easier for travelers to access Lourdes without long layovers or transfers. This enhanced connectivity has also supported the growth of Lourdes’ tourism infrastructure, which in turn benefits local businesses, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the influx of visitors.

Volotea’s Growth in France and Increased Capacity

Since opening its Lourdes base in 2022, Volotea has played a key role in increasing capacity for travel to the region. With the contract extension, Volotea is committed to continuing this positive growth. The airline has increased capacity by an impressive 96%, reflecting the strong demand for flights to Lourdes and its importance as a gateway to both religious tourism and regional exploration.

In 2026, Volotea plans to offer a record 331,000 seats on this route, demonstrating the airline’s dedication to enhancing accessibility to Lourdes. As the demand for direct, low-cost flights continues to rise, this expansion will cater to both traditional pilgrims and tourists visiting the region for its rich cultural heritage, as well as the increasing number of travelers seeking convenient access to the French Pyrenees and surrounding areas.

This growth also benefits other regional airports like Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport, where Volotea’s operations continue to expand and diversify, enhancing the region’s connectivity with major French and European cities.

More Than Just Pilgrimages: Exploring Lourdes and Surrounding Areas

While Lourdes is most famously known for its religious significance, the town and surrounding region have much more to offer travelers. The Hautes-Pyrénées region is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring national parks. Additionally, the Cauterets National Park and nearby towns like Argelès-Gazost offer visitors a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

Lourdes is also known for its Thermal Springs, which have been used for centuries for their purported health benefits. Visitors can take part in spa treatments, relax in the therapeutic waters, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the area.

The Tarbes-Lourdes-Paris Orly route also serves as a gateway for travelers who wish to explore the wider region of Occitanie, which is home to several historic towns, wineries, and natural parks that are becoming increasingly popular among tourists. With Volotea’s expanded services, it is now easier for visitors to access both Lourdes and the surrounding regions, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of travelers.

Connecting France to the World

With Volotea’s extended contract, the airline is continuing to strengthen the air connections between Lourdes and major cities such as Paris. By offering direct flights, the airline makes it possible for tourists to travel efficiently between France’s capital and one of its most culturally rich destinations.

As Lourdes continues to grow as both a pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination, the increase in direct flights helps further integrate the town into the wider global tourism market. The Tarbes-Lourdes-Paris Orly route is just one example of how Volotea is contributing to Lourdes’ development as a key European destination.

The increased number of seats, enhanced connectivity, and affordable options provided by Volotea ensure that Lourdes remains accessible to a wide range of travelers, helping to sustain its status as a cultural and spiritual landmark while attracting a broader global audience. As the airline expands its operations in France, it continues to play a key role in making travel to some of France’s most important sites easier, more affordable, and more accessible.

The post Tarbes-Lourdes-Paris Orly Route Expands: Now Volotea Boosts Tourism to Lourdes with Increased Flight Capacity appeared first on Travel And Tour World.