Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport: Improved Punctuality in First Half of 2026
Lyon, August 5, 2026 – Flights departing from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport demonstrated a notable improvement in punctuality during the first half of 2026, according to a semi-annual study conducted by AirHelp, a technology company specializing in air passenger rights. The airport achieved an 81.4% on-time departure rate, a significant increase from 76.6% recorded during the same period in 2025.
One of the Strongest Progressions in France
This nearly five-point gain represents “one of the strongest progressions” in France for the first half of the year, as highlighted by AirHelp. The improved performance places Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport above the national average of 78.9% for on-time departures, much to the satisfaction of regional passengers. However, it still trails Brest-Bretagne Airport, which holds the top spot for punctuality in France with 89.5% of flights departing on schedule.
National Context: Fewer Delays, More Cancellations
While Lyon shows positive trends in punctuality, the broader national picture, as detailed in AirHelp’s report, reveals a decrease in delays but an increase in flight cancellations. This situation is attributed to the international geopolitical context, which has led to a rise in jet fuel prices.
Margaux Doublet, spokesperson for AirHelp, noted, “The deterioration observed in June [29.7% of passengers affected] seems to result from a dual effect: a strike by ground staff at Parisian airports in mid-June, linked to security badge allocation rules, combined with airline diversions to circumvent the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which significantly extended journey times in the second half of the month.”
Between January and June 2026, nearly 42.5 million passengers traveled from French airports on over 307,000 flights.
Reserving Security Slots Now Possible at Lyon Saint-Exupéry
In other news, Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport has introduced a new service allowing passengers to reserve security slots, aiming to further enhance the travel experience and reduce waiting times.
