Why is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport One of the 50 Best Airports in Europe for 2026? Discover What Sets It Apart

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport has gained global recognition for its significant strides in sustainability, innovation, and passenger experience, securing its place as one of the top airports in Europe. Situated in the heart of southeastern France, this airport plays a crucial role in regional connectivity. It is also a key member of the VINCI Airports network, connecting passengers to more than 140 destinations worldwide. This commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond its own operations, as Lyon-Saint Exupéry actively contributes to the broader transition towards Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and hydrogen-powered aviation.

In addition to its environmental efforts, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport has invested heavily in improving the passenger experience. The introduction of cutting-edge innovations like the “Art on Air” digital art exhibition, social robots to assist travelers, and intelligent virtual agents for personalized assistance has set a new benchmark for airport service. Furthermore, the airport’s large-scale solar power plants and initiatives to electrify ground transportation showcase its commitment to integrating renewable energy and sustainable practices into its infrastructure.

These forward-thinking projects have propelled Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to 30th place in the Top 50 Airports of Europe for 2026. Its dedication to both sustainability and enhanced passenger services, combined with its strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies, has positioned the airport as a leader in the aviation sector. The airport’s continued focus on creating a seamless, eco-friendly, and innovative travel experience has earned it a spot among Europe’s top-ranked airports. Situated in the heart of southeastern France, this airport plays a crucial role in regional connectivity.

A Strategic Location in the Heart of Europe

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport’s strategic location makes it the primary departure point for passengers from the southeast of France. The airport’s connectivity is exceptional, with access facilitated by highways, high-speed trains, and the Rhônexpress shuttle service, which connects the airport to downtown Lyon in less than 30 minutes. This exceptional accessibility has made it a key player in regional transport, contributing to the economic vitality of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Serving more than 10 million passengers annually by 2025, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is a critical node in Europe’s transportation network. It is a vital point of connection for both business and leisure travelers, benefiting from its proximity to major international hubs while also offering passengers direct connections to a diverse array of global destinations.

Innovation and Sustainability: The Twin Pillars of Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport’s Success

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport’s focus on innovation and sustainability sets it apart from its competitors. In 2025, the airport achieved ACA 5 certification, the highest international distinction for airport decarbonization, cementing its reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability. Not only does this position the airport as a global leader in sustainability, but it also aligns with the broader objectives of VINCI Airports, which aims to make environmental transition a central tenet of its operations across its network of airports.

Beyond its own operations, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport has implemented a comprehensive set of green initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. One of the most noteworthy projects is the development of a massive solar power plant. The solar power plant not only serves the airport’s needs but will also contribute to the energy grid of neighboring communities, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainable energy.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is also playing a pioneering role in hydrogen-powered aviation. By 2027, it plans to conduct tests with hydrogen-powered aircraft in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative is part of a broader effort to build a hydrogen infrastructure, positioning Lyon-Saint Exupéry as a leader in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) space. The airport is also committed to decarbonizing ground transport through the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen-powered vehicles, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for sustainable innovation.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience: A Focus on Comfort and Convenience

While sustainability is a cornerstone of Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s strategy, the airport has not lost sight of the passenger experience. In 2025, Lyon-Saint Exupéry introduced several cutting-edge initiatives aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and streamlining airport processes. One of the most exciting developments was the launch of the “Art on Air” digital art exhibition in Terminal 1, transforming the airport into an immersive cultural space. This initiative is just one example of how the airport is leveraging technology to create a unique and engaging environment for travelers.

In addition to digital art, Lyon-Saint Exupéry has introduced social robots, such as Miroki, which help guide passengers through the airport and provide real-time information. These innovations complement existing services, such as ZenLine, which allows passengers to reserve a slot at security checkpoints to minimize waiting times, and the Stan valet robot, which assists with parking. These technologies combine to create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry is also keen on offering a high level of customer service. The airport offers a range of services designed to make the travel experience as smooth as possible, from accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility to VIP services and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. By focusing on quality, convenience, and innovation, Lyon-Saint Exupéry is continuously improving its passenger services.

Lyon Airport’s Digital Innovation and Its High European Ranking

Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport has been pushing forward a comprehensive digital transformation that spans AI‑assisted operational tools, smart security systems, and enhanced passenger experience technologies, contributing significantly to its reputation as one of Europe’s better‑performing airports. The airport has introduced advanced AI‑powered passenger assistance, including multilingual agentic AI kiosks that provide real‑time flight information, gate locations, and terminal guidance even responding to spoken questions in many languages and helping travellers navigate more easily through the facility. It also employs AI‑driven customer service automation for queries and feedback, improving responsiveness and satisfaction. On the operations side, Lyon has implemented security checkpoint optimisation using data analytics and redesigned layouts to streamline passenger flow and reduce wait times, backed by predictive forecasting tools that help manage queues and staffing more efficiently. These innovations are part of a broader strategy by operator VINCI Airports to pilot and refine cutting‑edge digital solutions at Lyon before rolling them out across its global network.

This commitment to innovation, together with strong service quality, has helped Lyon earn recognition in European airport rankings. The airport has been awarded a 4‑star Skytrax rating, highlighted for efficient security processing, effective use of technology like automated border control, and an enhanced passenger journey through seamless information and services. Such distinctions along with past honours like being named ACI Europe Best Airport in its passenger category reflect the airport’s ongoing efforts to integrate digital tools with operational excellence and customer satisfaction, factors that contribute to it frequently being ranked among the top 50 European airports for quality and innovation.

Must-Visit Landmarks

1. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (Lyon, France)

• Distance from Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by car
• Why Visit: Perched on a hill overlooking Lyon, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its ornate architecture, stunning mosaics, and panoramic views of Lyon make it a must-see for visitors. The basilica is a symbol of the city’s devotion and history.

2. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

• Location: Lyon, France
• Distance from Airport: About 30 minutes by car
• Why Visit: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming area of narrow medieval streets, Renaissance buildings, and traboules (hidden passageways). Vieux Lyon is home to many traditional bouchons (local restaurants), making it the perfect spot to experience Lyon’s culinary heritage.

3. Parc de la Tête d’Or (Park of the Golden Head)

• Location: Lyon, France
• Distance from Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by car
• Why Visit: One of the largest urban parks in France, Parc de la Tête d’Or is perfect for relaxation, offering serene lakes, botanical gardens, a zoo, and wide green spaces. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk or family-friendly activities.

4. Lyon Confluence

• Location: Lyon, France
• Distance from Airport: Around 30 minutes by car
• Why Visit: This modern district, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, is known for its contemporary architecture, shopping centers, and cultural venues. It’s a hub for business and leisure, offering museums like the Musée des Confluences, which explores science, anthropology, and natural history.

Top 50 Airports in the Europe for 2026

Rank	Airport Name	Airport Code	Country	City
1	London Heathrow Airport	LHR	United Kingdom	London
2	Istanbul Airport	IST	Turkey	Istanbul
3	Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport	CDG	France	Paris
4	Frankfurt Airport	FRA	Germany	Frankfurt
5	Berlin Brandenburg Airport	BER	Germany	Berlin
6	Munich Airport	MUC	Germany	Munich
7	Brussels Airport	BRU	Belgium	Brussels
8	Rome Fiumicino Airport	FCO	Italy	Rome
9	Amsterdam Schiphol Airport	AMS	Netherlands	Amsterdam
10	Helsinki-Vantaa Airport	HEL	Finland	Helsinki
11	Zurich Airport	ZRH	Switzerland	Zurich
12	Madrid-Barajas Airport	MAD	Spain	Madrid
13	Vienna International Airport	VIE	Austria	Vienna
14	Oslo Gardermoen Airport	OSL	Norway	Oslo
15	Barcelona–El Prat Airport	BCN	Spain	Barcelona
16	Copenhagen Airport	CPH	Denmark	Copenhagen
17	Milan Malpensa Airport	MXP	Italy	Milan
18	Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport	LIS	Portugal	Lisbon
19	Stockholm Arlanda Airport	ARN	Sweden	Stockholm
20	Athens International Airport	ATH	Greece	Athens
21	Düsseldorf Airport	DUS	Germany	Düsseldorf
22	Hamburg Airport	HAM	Germany	Hamburg
23	Geneva Airport	GVA	Switzerland	Geneva
24	Dublin Airport	DUB	Ireland	Dublin
25	Manchester Airport	MAN	United Kingdom	Manchester
26	Warsaw Chopin Airport	WAW	Poland	Warsaw
27	Prague Václav Havel Airport	PRG	Czech Republic	Prague
28	Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport	BUD	Hungary	Budapest
29	Luxembourg Airport	LUX	Luxembourg	Luxembourg City
30	Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport	LYS	France	Lyon
31	Tallinn Airport	TLL	Estonia	Tallinn
32	Malta International Airport	MLA	Malta	Luqa
33	Porto Airport	OPO	Portugal	Porto
34	Billund Airport	BLL	Denmark	Billund
35	Vilnius International Airport	VNO	Lithuania	Vilnius
36	Keflavík International Airport	KEF	Iceland	Keflavík
37	Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport	BEG	Serbia	Belgrade
38	Hannover Airport	HAJ	Germany	Hannover
39	London Gatwick Airport	LGW	United Kingdom	London
40	Turin Airport	TRN	Italy	Turin
41	Newcastle Airport	NCL	United Kingdom	Newcastle
42	Cork Airport	ORK	Ireland	Cork
43	Sofia Airport	SOF	Bulgaria	Sofia
44	Larnaca International Airport	LCA	Cyprus	Larnaca
45	Trondheim Airport	TRD	Norway	Trondheim
46	Zagreb Airport	ZAG	Croatia	Zagreb
47	Thessaloniki Airport	SKG	Greece	Thessaloniki
48	Palma de Mallorca Airport	PMI	Spain	Palma
49	Menorca Airport	MAH	Spain	Menorca
50	Cagliari Elmas Airport	CAG	Italy	Cagliari

Source: einpresswire.com

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

Looking ahead, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is poised to continue its journey of growth and innovation. With its ambitious plans to integrate hydrogen-powered aviation, AI‑powered passenger assistance expand its solar energy capacity, and further enhance the passenger experience, the airport is set to remain a key player in the European aviation landscape. As it continues to push the boundaries of sustainability and innovation, Lyon-Saint Exupéry is undoubtedly setting a new standard for airports worldwide.

For passengers, this means a future filled with greater convenience, sustainability, and cutting-edge services. For the wider region, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport’s success is a symbol of how airports can drive economic growth while also contributing to environmental sustainability. As the airport moves forward with its plans, it will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of air travel in Europe and beyond.

image source : vinci-airports©2024

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