Airport Le Touquet Cote D Opale (LFAT) IFR

Le Touquet (LFAT) is a popular GA airport on the French coast, offering both IFR and VFR operations with RNP and ILS approaches available. The airport sits within a CTR, and IFR clearances are often coordinated with Lille Approach; own navigation descents are possible when arriving from the northeast. ATC is generally friendly and handles both English and French, but there is no ATC service during the daily lunch break (typically 12:30–13:30 UTC), during which operations revert to air-to-air frequency in French. The airport can be very busy in good weather, especially on weekends, and procedures may vary; see AIP/NOTAM.

Customs/immigration is available with prior notice (usually 2 hours PN by email to douane-aeroportletouquet@douane.finances.gouv.fr and contact@aeroport-letouquet.com), though checks are routine for all arrivals, including intra-Schengen flights. Passports or IDs are required for all passengers, including children. Customs staff expect pilots to report when exiting the terminal toward the aircraft, even for domestic flights.

Landing fees for single-engine aircraft with parking typically range from about €40 to €60. Example: landing and one night parking about €60. Bicycle rental is widely available at the airport, generally €15 per day per bike or e-bike. Taxis can be difficult to obtain; reserving bikes in advance is recommended. Walking to town or the beach takes 30–40 minutes; by bike, it is 10–15 minutes.

Fuel (Avgas and Jet A1) is available via self-service pump with a Total card or by fuel truck for an additional handling fee of about €10 if paying by credit card at the terminal. Payment without a Total card requires assistance from airport staff. Parking is on asphalt without tie-downs.

Facilities include an on-field restaurant (L’Escale), which serves lunch even late in the afternoon, a pilot shop, free Wi-Fi in the terminal, and car hire (AVIS). The terminal is functional but not new. Hotels are plentiful in town; some are within walking distance.

A slight dip remains at the intersection of runway 13/31 and the old cross runway—exercise caution when taxiing there. The airport is well-regarded for its friendly service and remains a favored stop for customs clearance between France and the UK.