The future of the regional air link between Pau-Pyrénées Airport and Paris-Orly is uncertain, as the current transport contract with airline Amelia expires at the end of May 2026.
After Amelia emerged as the sole bidder in the most recent tender at the end of 2025, negotiations for a four-year extension are proving difficult. At the heart of the conflict are significant differences regarding the level of public subsidies required to ensure the economic viability of this strategically important route for the region.
According to media reports, the regional airline is requesting annual subsidies of €6,5 to €7 million to continue operations. This sum is intended to cover increased operating costs, driven primarily by volatile kerosene prices and rising personnel costs. This contrasts with the position of the airport authority and local authorities, including the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. These public funders are seeking a maximum financial support cap of €5 million per year to limit the burden on local budgets.
Given the financial gap, various scenarios are currently being examined to save the route. Among the options being discussed is a significant adjustment of flight frequencies to reduce operating costs and optimize the utilization of the remaining aircraft. At the same time, regional decision-makers are appealing to the French central government in Paris to provide additional funding. They argue that the route is crucial for the local economy and for connecting the industrial center of Pau to the national transport network.
Should negotiations fail before the contract expires in May, the region risks losing a direct connection to the capital's second-largest hub. This would have far-reaching consequences for business travel and the region's attractiveness. While Amelia insists on a cost-covering agreement, local authorities are attempting to keep infrastructure costs manageable through efficiency improvements and government subsidies. A decision is expected in the coming days to ensure a seamless transition of flight operations from June onward.