About Air Austral
Air Austral is a regional carrier based out of RUN — Saint Denis de la Reunion — and it does one thing really well: connecting the Indian Ocean islands to each other and to mainland France. Think of it less as a global airline and more as the lifeline of a scattered archipelago world. With 28 non-stop routes spread across 13 airports and a total network spanning over 85,000 km, it punches above its weight for a carrier most Europeans have never heard of. It's not low-cost, it's not a legacy giant — it sits somewhere in between, built around a specific region rather than a global ambition.
Why fly Air Austral?
Honestly, for most travelers, Air Austral isn't a choice — it's the choice. If you're heading to Reunion, Madagascar, or Mayotte, this airline owns the map in a way that's hard to route around. Eleven routes operate out of RUN alone, which means solid frequency and decent options for island-hopping without backtracking through Europe. The CDG-RUN run at 9,368 km is a serious long-haul, and Air Austral has historically offered premium cabin products on that corridor that compete respectably with the big guys. If you're based in East Africa, the NBO hub gives you two routes into the network without touching Europe at all. For Indian Ocean travel specifically, this airline genuinely makes geographic sense.
Air Austral hub airports
- RUN Saint Denis de la Reunion — 11 Air Austral routes from Reunion
- CDG Paris — 3 Air Austral routes from France
- DZA Dzaoudzi — 3 Air Austral routes from Mayotte
- NBO Nairobi — 2 Air Austral routes from Kenya
- TMM Tamatave — 1 Air Austral routes from Madagascar
Top destination countries on Air Austral
- Reunion — 11 Air Austral routes
- Madagascar — 4 Air Austral routes
- Mayotte — 3 Air Austral routes
- France — 3 Air Austral routes
- Kenya — 2 Air Austral routes
- Mauritius — 2 Air Austral routes
- Thailand — 1 Air Austral routes
- South Africa — 1 Air Austral routes
Tips for booking Air Austral
Book early on the CDG-RUN route — it's their flagship and prices climb fast, especially around French school holidays when Reunionese families travel in force. The DZA hub serves Mayotte, which has its own visa quirks as a French department, so double-check entry requirements before assuming your Schengen situation covers you. Air Austral isn't part of a major global alliance, so don't count on earning miles with your usual frequent flyer program — check their own loyalty scheme instead. If you're island-hopping through Madagascar or the Comoros region, build buffer days into connections. Small airports, weather delays, and island logistics are real factors out here.
Frequently asked questions about Air Austral
Where does Air Austral fly?
Air Austral operates 28 routes primarily across the Indian Ocean region, with a strong focus on Reunion, Madagascar, and Mayotte. The airline connects these key destinations and serves as a vital link for travel throughout the southwestern Indian Ocean.
What is Air Austral's main hub?
Air Austral's main hub is Roland Garros Airport in Saint Denis, Reunion (RUN). This is the airline's primary base of operations and connection point for most of its network.
What type of airline is Air Austral?
Air Austral is a regional carrier that operates a focused network across the Indian Ocean, serving island communities and regional destinations. It functions as a key regional airline for connecting Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and surrounding areas.
When should I book flights with Air Austral?
For the best fares, book 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for peak travel seasons to popular destinations like Reunion and Madagascar. Air Austral typically offers various fare classes, so booking early provides more options and better pricing.
What are Air Austral's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route; it's recommended to check Air Austral's official website for specific details on your booking. Standard check-in is typically 2-3 hours before departure for regional flights.