About flights from Reunion
Reunion sits in the Indian Ocean like a geographic afterthought — volcanic, lush, and wildly beautiful — yet Roland Garros Airport handles the island's entire international air traffic with quiet efficiency. From a single hub, RUN, travelers reach more than eight countries across 14 non-stop routes. That's a compact network, but don't mistake compact for limited. For an island of under a million people, the connections it maintains tell you a great deal about how Reunionese life is actually organized: between continents, between cultures, between here and somewhere else entirely.
Why fly from Reunion?
What gives Reunion's aviation network its particular character is the pull of proximity and history working simultaneously. Madagascar dominates the departure boards with four separate routes — no other country comes close — reflecting deep economic and family ties between the two islands. France follows with three routes, which makes sense for an overseas department that still looks to Paris for governance, education, and shopping that doesn't arrive by container ship. Mauritius, just 170 kilometers away, accounts for two routes, and the traffic between them is less tourism than neighbors running errands. Then there's the longer reach: a single route to India, another to Thailand, reminding you that this is the Indian Ocean, and the whole basin is, in its way, a neighborhood.
Major international airports in Reunion
- RUN Saint Denis de la Reunion — 14 non-stop destinations (St Denis de la Reunion)
Top destination countries from Reunion
Where Reunion flies most, ranked by total non-stop routes:
- Madagascar — 4 non-stop routes
- France — 3 non-stop routes
- Mauritius — 2 non-stop routes
- Thailand — 1 non-stop routes
- India — 1 non-stop routes
- Mayotte — 1 non-stop routes
- South Africa — 1 non-stop routes
- Comoros — 1 non-stop routes
Travel tips for Reunion departures
Since RUN is your only option, the real decisions happen after booking. Flying to Madagascar is generally the most affordable international corridor out of Reunion, so if you're flexible on destination, that's worth knowing. Flights to mainland France fill quickly in July and August when Reunionese families travel for school holidays, so book those early or expect to pay for the privilege of procrastinating. Reunion is a French department, meaning EU passport holders face no visa complications for the island itself, but check requirements carefully for onward stops — Thailand and India both require advance visa arrangements for many travelers.
Frequently asked questions about flying from Reunion
Which is the busiest international airport in Reunion?
Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis (RUN) is Reunion's only commercial airport and serves as the main hub for all international flights. It handles all 14 non-stop international routes departing from the island.
Which country gets the most flights from Reunion?
France receives the most flights from Reunion, reflecting the strong connections between the French territory and mainland Europe. Madagascar and Mauritius are also major destinations with regular direct service.
What's the best time of year to fly internationally from Reunion?
The best time to fly is during the dry season from May to November, as this avoids the cyclone season and typically offers better weather and potentially lower prices. However, this is also peak tourist season, so booking in advance is recommended.
Which countries can Reunion passport holders visit visa-free?
As French citizens, Reunion passport holders enjoy visa-free access to all Schengen Area countries, EU member states, and many other nations worldwide. This includes popular destinations like most of Europe, the United States, and numerous countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
What's the cheapest way to find international flights from Reunion?
Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms in real-time. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance, being flexible with your travel dates, and setting up price alerts can help you snag the best deals from Saint-Denis airport.