Chalair to establish operations in Andorra in 2027: Paris, Madrid and Palma on the menu with a permanent ATR 42

Andorra is taking a decisive step in its air connectivity expansion with Chalair. Starting January 1, 2027, the French airline will operate regular flights from the Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport, located just a few kilometers from the Andorran border in Catalonia. A permanently based ATR 42-500, seating 48 passengers, along with crews and maintenance facilities, will mark the local establishment of this operation. This decision, following Chalair’s successful bid, replaces the contract previously held by Air Nostrum and aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen Andorra’s air connections with Europe.

The initial program includes three year-round destinations: Paris-Orly, Madrid, and Palma de Mallorca. The Paris route will operate twice weekly, while Madrid will see three weekly flights from summer 2027. Palma de Mallorca will be connected two to three times weekly, with increased frequency to three flights in winter. Seasonal services will also be offered to Nantes, Nice, and Lyon, depending on demand, bringing the total number of destinations from La Seu d’Urgell to six. One-way fares start at €79 to Paris, €67 to Madrid, and €55 to Palma, including a 10 kg carry-on allowance and seat selection.

The choice of Paris-Orly over Charles de Gaulle is driven by easier access to central Paris via Paris Metro Line 14. According to the French Ambassador to Andorra, Nicolas Eybalin, this route is “essential” to strengthen Andorra’s ties with France and Europe. Andorran and Catalan authorities have also invested in airport infrastructure upgrades, including fuel supply and de-icing equipment, with completion planned for this winter.

Andorra’s public contribution is capped at €5 million annually, while Chalair plans up to 1,670 flight hours per year from the second year of operations. David Forné, Andorra’s Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Transport, and Mobility, hailed this as a “qualitative leap” for the principality’s air connectivity. The four-year agreement, valid until 2030, includes an option to extend for two additional years.

The Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport, inaugurated five years ago, has already seen a 14% increase in traffic in early 2026, with 11,107 passengers compared to 9,752 a year earlier. The Madrid route, previously operated by Air Nostrum, recorded an average load factor of 55.8%, while the Palma route reached 78% in February. These figures highlight the airport’s growth potential, now further bolstered by Chalair’s arrival.

A dedicated ATR 42 and flexible fleet to meet local constraints

Chalair’s permanently based ATR 42-500 at La Seu d’Urgell will be supported by an ATR 72-500 (72 seats), deployable within two hours from Montferrer if needed. This setup allows the airline to adapt to the technical and weather-related challenges of a mountain airport, where operations are highly sensitive to climate conditions. Chalair has also planned seasonal frequency adjustments for routes such as Nantes and Nice based on demand.

Year-round services will be maintained for Madrid, Paris, and Palma, while seasonal routes to Nantes, Nice, and Lyon will operate on a flexible schedule. Fares, announced now, include taxes and a 10 kg carry-on allowance, with additional options available for purchase. Chalair has indicated that frequencies may be adjusted or expanded based on route performance, offering flexibility to meet traveler needs.

This move aligns with Chalair’s broader strategy to expand its European regional network. The airline, which already operates flights to several destinations in France and Europe, is focusing on reliability and proximity to attract both leisure and business travelers. The agreement with Andorra represents a growth opportunity, with an estimated potential of over 1,400 flight hours annually from the first year.

Paris, Madrid, Palma: Strategic destinations for Andorra

The Paris-Orly route is positioned as a major asset for easy access to central Paris via Metro Line 14. The Madrid route, with three weekly flights from summer 2027, will strengthen economic and tourism ties between Spain and Andorra. Palma de Mallorca, a popular vacation destination, will see an enhanced winter schedule with three weekly flights.

Seasonal routes to Nantes, Nice, and Lyon aim to attract a diverse clientele, including tourists and business travelers. Nantes improves access to France’s western regions, while Nice targets summer tourism. Lyon, with a weekly flight in summer, offers an additional connection to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. These seasonal routes complement the year-round network, creating a balanced offering that meets traveler needs throughout the year.

The Andorran government and the Government of Catalonia have worked in parallel to upgrade airport infrastructure. Key projects include fuel supply systems, de-icing equipment, and air traffic control services. These improvements, slated for this winter, aim to ensure smoother and more reliable flight operations despite the challenges posed by the airport’s high-altitude and mountainous location.

A growing market with untapped potential

With just 52,278 passengers since its opening five years ago, the Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport has significant room for growth. The Madrid route, previously operated by Air Nostrum, had an average load factor of 55.8%, while the Palma route reached 78% in February. These figures underscore the airport’s development potential, particularly for seasonal and European routes.

By establishing operations in Andorra, Chalair is betting on steady, sustainable growth, with a target of 1,670 flight hours annually from the second year. The French airline, which won the tender against several competitors, emphasized the importance of this move in strengthening Andorra’s air connectivity. Competitive fares and convenient routes are expected to attract a diverse clientele, from tourists to business travelers.

The four-year agreement, valid until 2030 with an option to extend for two additional years, provides long-term visibility for Chalair. This stability is crucial for an airline focused on reliability and service quality to build customer loyalty. Andorra’s public contribution, capped at €5 million annually, ensures a stable financial framework for operations.

For travelers, this new offering represents an opportunity to explore Andorra and its surroundings from major European cities. With competitive fares and tailored frequencies, Chalair aims to position La Seu d’Urgell as a key gateway to the principality, whether for leisure or business travel.

Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status and book in advance, especially during peak periods like Christmas or summer. Chalair has assured that schedule adjustments will be minimal and that affected customers will receive alternative solutions, such as free ticket changes or full refunds.