Andorra Awards Chalair Four-Year Flight Contract from La Seu d'Urgell in 2027

The Andorran government has awarded French carrier Chalair a four-year contract, extendable by two years to 2030, for flights from La Seu d'Urgell Airport starting 1 January 2027. The deal replaces the current service ending 31 December 2026 and requires a minimum of 1,400 annual flying hours, with public funding capped at €5 million per year.

Chalair's bid, scoring over 94%, outpaced the Andorra Connected joint venture of Jump Air and Carbini Travel. The airline will base an ATR 42-500 with 48 seats permanently at the Monferrer airport, including on-site crew and maintenance. A backup ATR 72 for up to 72 passengers will stand ready within two hours during peak periods.

The network expands from two to six destinations. Paris-Orly will launch with two year-round weekly flights. Madrid gains three weekly services from summer 2027, succeeding Air Nostrum, while Palma de Mallorca schedules three weekly in winter and two or three otherwise. Seasonal routes add two weekly Nantes flights in winter, plus two to Nice and one to Lyon in summer. A joint commission with the Transport Department will monitor demand and adjust frequencies and days as needed.

David Forné, Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility, called the permanent basing a "fundamental change" that aligns routes with local needs and supports growth. He described the tender outcome as "a great day for Andorra and the Pyrenees," noting it exceeded minimum requirements for Madrid, Palma and Paris links. Chalair's offer reaches up to 1,670 flying hours from year two and leverages an Air France partnership for Flying Blue miles and connections. Forné also indicated special packages for Andorran businesses.

One-way introductory fares, including taxes, 10kg cabin baggage and seat selection, start at €55 to Palma, €67 to Madrid and €79 to Paris. Tickets for Nantes, Nice and Lyon will follow on Chalair's website, phone, agencies or search engines. Fuel and de-icing infrastructure will be operational by year-end, with the air traffic control tender advancing.

Since opening five years ago, the airport has handled 52,278 passengers, including 11,107 so far in 2026—a 14% rise from last year. Madrid's average load factor is 55.8%, Palma's 50%, with peaks at 78% in February and 55% in August.

Forné ruled out Lisbon or Porto routes currently, citing long distances, high fuel costs and durations beyond the contract scope, though future demand could prompt review. Air Nostrum, in place since December 2021, did not bid.