VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, as well as Rémi Maumon de Longevialle , Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Airports, and Cédric Fechter, Area Director for France at VINCI Airports.
This project is part of a strategic investment program of over €380 million planned over seven years, led by the shareholders of Aéroports de Lyon and contingent upon the signing of an economic regulation agreement with the French government by spring 2027. It will sustainably enhance the region’s attractiveness, improve the passenger experience and the airport’s energy efficiency, while also meet the needs of airlines.
A terminal designed for the needs of tomorrow
The project includes a 9,500 m² extension and the modernization of 12,000 m² of existing spaces, incorporating a next-generation security screening area, similar to the one to be deployed at Terminal 1 for summer 2027, as well as new retail and leisure areas. The bus station will also be expanded to enhance intermodal connections and accommodate more buses, particularly those connecting to the Alps. Terminal 2 is scheduled to open by 2029, ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A more efficient and sustainable infrastructure
Beyond a better passenger experience, the new Terminal 2 will improve the operational performance of the platform with optimized handling of oversized baggage (skis, bicycles, etc.) to meet the growth of mountain traffic in winter and summer, as well as greater flexibility in the use of aircraft parking positions.
In line with VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy at Lyon Airport, a major energy-efficiency refurbishment will sustainably reduce its carbon footprint. This project is part of the Lyon airport’s decarbonization trajectory; it was the 6th airport in the world to obtain ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) Level 5 certification, the highest level of the program, attesting to its achievement of net zero carbon emissions from the airport’s direct emissions [1] and its commitment to decarbonizing the entire aviation ecosystem.
Preparing for the future of the region
This transformation is also a crucial step in preparing for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the natural gateway to the French Alps, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport will play a central role in transporting delegations, spectators, and international tourists. The future Terminal 2 will provide a welcome befitting this global event and will support the region’s tourism and economic development, benefiting the entire area and its local communities.
A unifying project supported by all shareholders
The laying of this foundation stone illustrates the collective mobilization of Aéroports de Lyon’s public and private shareholders around a shared vision: to equip the region with high-performing, sustainable infrastructure adapted to the needs of the coming decades. This convergence of views between the State, local authorities, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VINCI Airports, and its partners Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Crédit Agricole Assurances demonstrates the shared confidence in the airport’s strategic role for connectivity, economic attractiveness, and the region’s international influence.
Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, declares said, “At VINCI Airports, we support local communities over the long term by investing in the transformation of the airports we operate and preparing for their future. The future Terminal 2 illustrates this ambition, shared with all our public and private partners: to sustainably strengthen Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s role in serving the connectivity and attractiveness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is essential that we, together with the government, create the conditions to fully mobilize our investment capacity to continue modernizing the airport and supporting the region’s economic and tourism development.”
