Marseille Provence Airport (French: Aéroport Marseille-Provence, IATA: MRS, ICAO: LFML) is located about 27 km (17 miles) northwest of Marseille, in the commune of Marignane in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. Its service area extends broadly, covering regions from Gap to Arles and from Toulon to Avignon.
In recent years, Marseille Provence has experienced strong growth. In 2023, the airport reached a record 10.8 million passengers, up 6.4% compared to 2019, and in 2024 it saw further increase to 11.17 million passengers, a rise of 3.4% over the previous year. This growth has been driven in large part by international traffic, which now accounts for around 70% of the total.
One of the major developments at the airport has been the opening of a new Terminal 1 in June 2024, timed ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. This upgraded terminal, designed by Foster + Partners, features a large central “heart” area (the “Cœur d’aéroport”) of about 20,000 m² that enhances passenger flow, expands retail and dining space, and consolidates security checkpoint operations. The terminal project also emphasizes sustainability: it uses low-carbon concrete, with 99% of the concrete being “bas carbone,” reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% compared to conventional concrete.
From an environmental and energy perspective, the airport is targeting self-sufficiency by 2030. As part of this effort, a new parking structure (P4) was inaugurated with solar panels that partially power the airport. There are also plans to electrify ground operations, supported by EU funding and partnerships with energy companies.
On the freight side, Marseille Provence remains a key player: in 2024, it handled 59,587 tonnes of cargo, up 8.1% from the previous year. The airport also continues to develop its operations, with a new freight route to Tripoli having launched recently.
Regarding infrastructure, the airport has two nearly parallel runways. The primary runway (13L/31R) is 3,500 meters long (~11,483 ft), while the secondary runway (13R/31L) measures about 2,370 meters (~7,776 ft). According to the French AIP, the main runway is equipped with an ILS for precision approaches, and the secondary runway is used in specific traffic conditions.
Historically, the airport traces its management back to 1934 under the Marseille-Provence Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and it was formerly known as Marseille–Marignane Airport. In recent decades, it has transformed from a regional hub to a dynamic international gateway.
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