The Bordeaux airport, also known as ?Aeroport de Bordeaux-Merignac'), is located in the city of Merignac, several miles west of Bordeaux. The airport services not only public airlines, but it is also used by the French Air Force as a major operations center. The airport was considered as being the 6th busiest passenger Terminal in France due to it handling traffic of more than 3.5 million passengers.
Access to the airport by car is via the Autoroute A630. There is also ordinary bus transportation to and from Bordeaux. You can also find a shuttle service that runs from the arrival hall to the city center. Taxi services are available from just outside the airport. You can also hire a car through one of seven agencies located at the airport.
The airport Terminal has two levels: Departures and Arrivals. On both levels you will find various shops and other amenities. Most of the shops, bars and restaurants can be found on the Departures level. You will also find ATMs and currency exchange facilities. You can also make purchases from a duty-free shop in the InternationalDeparture region of Terminal A. Travelers with disabilities can benefit from the facilities that can be found at the airport. If you require wheelchairs, do note that these can be acquired from individual airways, yet in order to receive the green light, you are ought to inform them before embarking on your journey. People with disabilities can also use toilets and elevators especially designed for the physically challenged as these are located at various spots all through the airport.
The airport was constructed in 1917 as a joint civilian and military venture. Air France was the primary civilian carrier. The French Air Force used the facility for training and as a bomber base. During WWII the Luftwaffe used the base to launch maritime reconnaissance flights. During the early years of the Cold War the airport was used by NATO. The French Air Force was given full control again in 1961 and has maintained it since.
The airport today has a single Terminal divided into two major halls on two levels. A number of airlines offer services domestically and Internationally. Besides the commercial passenger traffic, the airport also services cargo traffic operation. There are also tourist charters and general aviation flights available. Because it services both commercial and military flights, the airport is open at all times of the year and is very well maintained.
If you don't want to use public transportation to reach Bordeaux or the surrounding area, you can use car hire in Bordeaux Airport through one of these seven agencies: Alamo, Avis, Budget , Europcar, Hertz, National/Citer, and Sixt . You can obtain the best price by using tripindicator.com to get a cost comparison. You can have car hire services at your disposal whether you decide on the spot you?ll need such services, or if you plan ahead to have these arranged for you. Vehicles available for rent are located in especially designed areas, and if you require any assistance, that can be acquired from help desks which can be found in both Terminal s.