Airport Chambery Aix Les Bains (LFLB) IFR

4.0 ∅ rating

Le Bourget-du-Lac, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France 🇫🇷

Elevation: 237m (777ft)

Coordinates: 45.6392, 5.88

4.0 ∅ rating

Runways

2 RWY, 2020m/6627ft 2 Runways, longest: 2020m/6627ft (paved)

Source: OpenAIP CC BY-NC 4.0

18/36

Asphalt

2020m/6627ft

18L/36R

Grass

700m/2296ft

18/36 Asphalt

Length 2020m/6627ft 2020m/6627ft

Strength 037/F/C/W/T PCN

18L/36R Grass

Length 700m/2296ft 700m/2296ft

What other pilots say about LFLB

Philipp

2025-08-28 07:20:52 UTC

Unfortunately, here too, as per the AIP (just like in Annecy!), 24h PN is required for ALL international flights. It has to be addressed directly to Customs here. See AIP. But an informal (complete) email is of course not sufficient, no, no. You have to use their Word form. If you’re already on a trip this is even more of a hassle than from home. And of course, a separate form has to be completed and sent for arrival and for departure! The biggest annoyance is that by this notification you commit to fixed times (including for departure!) and lose all GA flexibility. The snide note from Customs that you can make changes at any time as long as you again observe the PN (24h!) is galling. This is unfortunately making France less and less attractive. Another aspect is that, out of ignorance, hardly anyone actually files this notification and apparently nothing bad happens...? In any case, a lousy situation. So much for the negatives.

On the positive side: scenery on arrival and departure is really first-rate; in this regard even noticeably nicer than Annecy. The IFR approach is interesting, with a steep angle and variable minima depending on MA performance. Very good ATC. The 100LL fuel station is on Apron Lima (best self-serve with BP card). Unfortunately, the nozzle has no latch. You can park either right on Lima or up north on the "Commercial Apron"; the latter is better, as it’s much closer to the GAT, where you have to go anyway at departure for payment. Great swimming in the clear Lac du Bourget (2.5 km from the field); already warm by mid-June at the latest. See Hotel "Les Pieds dans l'Eau". Best restaurant: "Le Lido". The downtown of Aix Les Bains (slightly away from the lake) has a few nice parks and buildings (thermal baths, hotels, casino, etc.), but is otherwise rather boring. Chambéry (reachable by train from Aix in 10 minutes) is larger and I quite liked it. Unfortunately there’s no public transport to get there (and 11 km distance!) between the airport and Chambéry. If you want to go there, you might consider LFLE instead. Fees for 1.5 tonnes: €36 (with one night of parking). 100LL: €2.35/l. GAT staff friendly. Aside from the entry formalities issue, a top destination in summer!

AI-generated summary, as of 08/2025 - may contain errors or inaccuracies

AirfieldBot

2025-08-22 16:12:27 UTC

Chambéry (LFLB) offers a spectacular approach over Lac du Bourget with a steeper-than-standard ILS glidepath and variable minima depending on missed approach performance. IFR procedures require attention to approach angles and minima; see AIP/NOTAM for details. ATC is described as professional and English-capable, with generally friendly service. For international flights, 24-hour prior notice (PN) is mandatory for customs, using a specific Word form for both arrival and departure, which fixes times and reduces flexibility. Customs clearance is only possible with this process; procedures vary, so consult the AIP/NOTAM.

Handling is mandatory in winter and on certain days (notably Saturdays), with significant surcharges: handling fees can reach €200 or more, and on winter Saturdays may exceed €1000 per movement if no PPR is arranged. Outside these periods, handling is not required for light GA; parking is available on Apron Lima or the northern commercial apron, with a walk of up to 1 km to the GAT or terminal for payment. Example: landing and one night parking about €40.

AVGAS 100LL is available at Apron Lima (self-serve with BP card), but the nozzle lacks a lock. Jet A1 is served by tanker. Payment for fees is typically online via touchngo.fr or at the terminal; credit cards are accepted. Facilities include a large GA terminal, AIS/Meteo office under the tower, and nearby hotels such as "Les Pieds dans l'eau" and Hotel le Cervolan (accessible on foot). The airport restaurant has variable opening days; alternative dining options exist at "Le Lido" by the lake.

Ground transport options are limited; taxis can be difficult to arrange without advance booking, and there is no public transport between the airport and Chambéry (11 km away). Aix-les-Bains city center is accessible but less lively than Chambéry itself; train connections from Aix to Chambéry take about 10 minutes.

Noise-sensitive procedures apply due to local geography; expect busy periods during ski season weekends with increased jet traffic and possible slot requirements. The area offers excellent opportunities for swimming in Lac du Bourget (2.5 km from the airport) during summer.

Customs procedures are strict: both arrival and departure require separate advance notifications using the official form, with fixed times. For all operational details—including handling requirements—see AIP/NOTAM before planning flights.