Lyon, France – Twin Jet, a regional airline, has announced the launch of a new seasonal direct route connecting Rennes and Lyon. The service will run from July 20 to August 28, 2026, with daily return flights from Monday to Friday. This expansion comes as Rennes Bretagne Airport faces a decline in air traffic, with a 5.9% drop in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
New Route Details and Objectives
The new Twin Jet flight will depart from Rennes at 6:40 PM, arriving in Lyon at 8:20 PM. Return flights from Lyon will depart at 4:30 PM, landing in Rennes at 6:10 PM. This new offering complements Air France’s existing service on the Rennes-Lyon axis, aiming to meet the demand for enhanced connectivity between these two economically dynamic metropolitan areas.
Eric Moret, General Director of Twin Jet, stated, “The opening of this link between Lyon and Rennes responds to a real demand for connectivity between two dynamic regions.” The airline specifically targets professionals in sectors such as digital technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and agri-food. Twin Jet also highlights a key advantage over rail travel, as train journeys between Rennes and Lyon often require a connection in Paris, resulting in travel times exceeding four hours.
Context of Declining Air Traffic
The announcement of this new route occurs amidst a challenging period for Rennes Bretagne Airport. According to the latest figures from VINCI Airports, the airport welcomed 117,000 passengers between January and March 2026, marking a 5.9% decrease from the same period in 2025. This slowdown follows a relatively stable year in 2025 and is attributed to airlines’ adjustments to domestic routes and increased taxation on domestic air transport.
The number of commercial movements at Rennes Airport also saw a decline, with 1,825 flights recorded in the first quarter, a 4% decrease year-on-year. This broader trend reflects a national context where airlines are re-evaluating their domestic strategies.
Twin Jet’s Strategy and Regional Connectivity
Despite the overall downturn in air traffic, Twin Jet’s decision to launch this new seasonal route underscores a strategy adopted by regional airlines to reposition themselves on transversal routes that are less adequately served by rail. With a fleet of 13 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and nearly 200 weekly regional flights across France and Europe, Twin Jet aims to carve out a niche in a rapidly evolving domestic air travel market.
For both Lyon and Rennes airports, these interregional connections are crucial for maintaining direct connectivity between major regional cities, reducing reliance on the larger Parisian hubs. This focus on direct links between regional centers is seen as vital for sustained economic development and business exchanges.
Broader Implications for Regional Travel
The introduction of this new route highlights the ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and travel options within France’s regions. While the broader aviation sector faces challenges, particularly in domestic travel, targeted seasonal routes like the Rennes-Lyon connection demonstrate a commitment to addressing specific market needs and fostering interregional ties. The success of such initiatives will be closely watched as regional airports and airlines adapt to changing travel patterns and economic conditions.
The move by Twin Jet is a strategic one, aiming to capitalize on demand for efficient, direct travel between key economic centers, thereby supporting business and leisure travel outside of the traditional hub-and-spoke model.
