La Réunion Roland-Garros Airport recorded 2,764,811 passengers in 2025, up +4% from 2024 — its best-ever result. International demand is surging (+19%) and the airport will break ground on a new terminal designed for 4 million passengers per year as early as 2027.
Traffic driven by international routes and Mayotte
The 2025 growth is consistent across all routes. Mainland France traffic remains dominant at 1,630,089 passengers (+4%), but international routes post the strongest growth: +19%, led by Thailand (+19.5%, 89,014 passengers) and South Africa (+14.2%, 26,628 passengers). Within the Indian Ocean, the Réunion-Mayotte route surged +10.8% to 216,193 passengers, reflecting growing inter-island dynamics. The Mauritius route, the busiest in the zone, accounted for 663,323 passengers (+2%).
Air freight following the same upward trend
Air cargo reached 30,699 tonnes in 2025, up +5% year-on-year. Imports account for 21,778 tonnes (71% of total) while exports stand at 8,921 tonnes (29%). The rise in export freight is a positive indicator for local sectors — agriculture, fishing, manufactured goods — seeking to capture regional markets.
New Toulouse route and a 4-million-passenger terminal
Since June 15, 2026, a new direct Toulouse–La Réunion route is operational, connecting the Occitan capital to the island without a stopover. This opening illustrates the airport's strategy of diversifying origin markets to reduce its dependence on Paris-hub connections.
More significantly, the major news is the validation of a landmark project: the construction of a new departure terminal designed for 4 million annual passengers. Studies and the first phase of works will start in 2027. This project accompanies the traffic ramp-up and Roland-Garros' ambition to position itself as the Indian Ocean's reference air hub.
On the energy front, the airport targets covering 50% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2028.
Why this matters
A steadily growing airport anticipating 4 million passengers sends a strong signal to regional investors and economic operators: Réunion can handle more tourist, commercial and logistics flows. In an Indian Ocean region where air connectivity is still a bottleneck for many territories, Roland-Garros' dynamism is a structural opportunity.