Brighton to Paris air service launch

5:40pm Tuesday 27th November 2012 in News By Ben James

Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport is to launch direct flights to Paris Buy this photo » Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport is to launch direct flights to Paris

Franco-British ties will be stronger than ever with the launch of direct flights from Brighton to Paris.

From next spring, Sussex residents will be able to go from eating fish and chips on the pier to quaffing champagne on the Champs-Elysees within two-and-a-half hours.

From just £69, passengers will travel from Shoreham airport to Pontoise airport, on the outskirts of Paris, in an hour.

With a maximum of just 19 passengers per flight, security, immigration and boarding will be hassle-free – with check-in just 15 minutes before take-off.

Passengers will also be able to park just metres from the terminal and have access to the airport’s VIP lounge.

There will be two weekday flights out of Brighton, with a further two returning from Paris.

Weekends will see just one flight each way.

Niche travel

Tony Mernagh, from the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership, said: “Clearly the capacity will be limited, but the great thing about this service is that it will be ideal for those companies where travel requirements crop up unexpectedly.

“It is a good niche offer to our already excellent transport links to Europe.”

Adam Bates, head of tourism at VisitBrighton, welcomed the news but said the organisation would continue to focus its efforts on Gatwick, which sees thousands of passengers arrive in the country each day.

He added: “However, this is great news and really good for the airport. Gatwick will remain our priority but we hope this will bring additional visitors to the area.”

The first flight of the day is set to leave Shoreham at 8.30am, arriving an hour later at 10.30am (French time).

Welcome The first returning flight from Paris will leave shortly after at 11am (French time), landing in Sussex an hour later at 11am (UK time).

The second flight will leave Shoreham at 5pm (UK time), arriving in Paris an hour later before the return flight leaves at 7.30pm (French time), arriving at 7.30pm (UK time).

Claire Ottewell, chairman of the Brighton and Hove tourism alliance, said: “All additional access routes to our fair city are very welcome, especially in the current climate. With ambitions of growing our reputation as a culinary destination of excellence, all links with Paris should be celebrated and capitalised upon.

“It would be great if we could encourage Parisian chefs to work in the city and help fill our skills shortage.

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Comments(17)

george smith says...
5:44pm Tue 27 Nov 12

sounds competative with Eurostar, mind high winds could be a problem

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funkyyoyo says...
8:11pm Tue 27 Nov 12

perfect exit for the green party!! except siberias lovely this time of year

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derekhunt says...
8:53pm Tue 27 Nov 12

This is a relaunch isn't it? Seem to remember there were flights to Paris from Shoreham about 4-5 years ago. Good to see them back though. Hope it works out.

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Martha Gunn says...
10:21pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Don't be silly. Get a grip. Has anyone ever been to Pontoise aerodrome? Sterling effort though from our civic leaders to sound positive.

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aat99 says...
3:44am Wed 28 Nov 12

Too late a start ! Why not 7 or half 7 ? Day is half over by time you get ti central Paris

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qm says...
8:47am Wed 28 Nov 12

Is there going to be a link to Paris Centrale? Used to work in Osny nearby so am familiar with the environment.
It's 22 miles as the crow flies and not the easiest route on regular public transport or can we make use of personal parachutes?? :)).

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Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit says...
9:51am Wed 28 Nov 12

derekhunt wrote:
This is a relaunch isn't it? Seem to remember there were flights to Paris from Shoreham about 4-5 years ago. Good to see them back though. Hope it works out.
Indeed. There have been a number of attempts to launch regular air services from Shoreham over the years, I remember one to the Channel Islands. Afaik they all eventually failed, but as you say, good luck to them. With the increased French presence in Britain this time it might work.

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Al Bion says...
11:19am Wed 28 Nov 12

If, as the article states, it's £69 (minimum) to fly from Shoreham to Pontoise, which is about 16 miles north west of central Paris, is it another £69 to fly back again? Or is that a return fare?

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noriise says...
11:21am Wed 28 Nov 12

Looks like this is Brighton City Airways who have been chatting about this for a few years.

Is it actually going to happen? I hope so. But who knows...

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Joshiman says...
11:55am Wed 28 Nov 12

Something wrong with the timing schedule.Doesnt make sense.First flight to Paris arriving 10.30 am returning from Paris at 11 am? confused???????????

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Al Bion says...
2:37pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Perhaps that's why it's so cheap, Joshiman. You only get half an hour there!!
Would anyone care to clarify the fares?

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Al Bion says...
2:37pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Perhaps that's why it's so cheap, Joshiman. You only get half an hour there!!
Would anyone care to clarify the fares?

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martyt says...
4:15pm Wed 28 Nov 12

is shoreham really brighton ?????????

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Jetsamandflotsam says...
8:39pm Wed 28 Nov 12

martyt wrote:
is shoreham really brighton ?????????
Shoreham is to Brighton more than Pontoise is to Paris

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brighton-breezy says...
10:06am Thu 29 Nov 12

I hope it works for them, sounds a good cheap option for a short break, especially when you consider a train fare to london is 30 odd quid!

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berkorich says...
2:41pm Thu 29 Nov 12

Pontoise to Champs Elysee is 28 miles by road, exactly the same as Gatwick to Marble Arch. If you are in Brighton or nearby this sounds like a good alternative. As long as you don't mind flying in a 19-seat plane.....!

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deedles says...
8:38pm Thu 29 Nov 12

martyt wrote:
is shoreham really brighton ?????????
'Shoreham' is in Kent so it can't be in Brighton!

Shoreham by Sea is in Sussex.The owners of the airport have got it wrong anyway!

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