Crystal Ski Holidays is working with Chambéry Savoie airport to relieve bottlenecks during peak winter weekends.
More than 50 flights carrying over 13,000 travellers land at the busiest periods due to the airport’s position as the best gateway to ski resorts in the French Alps.
The problem with congestion has been identified and brought to the airport management’s attention by the operator.
A total of €10 million is to be spent over 16 years to improve the airport’s infrastructure.
Measures include:
• Revised queuing system and additional baggage belts to improve check-in time and experience
• Re-organised passport control and security flow, increased queuing area as well as an additional security line check
• Enhanced departure lounge area to improve comfort for passengers waiting to board their flights
• Extension of shops
• New signage throughout the terminal to improve information and the flow of passengers
• New procedures for runway usage to reduce flight disruption in case of adverse wind conditions
• Refurbished toilet facilities throughout the terminal
Vinci Airports, which operates the airport on behalf of the local authority, recruits and trains more than 250 seasonal workers to help manage ski flights.
Crystal Ski takes more than 30,000 British skiers to the French Alps via the airport every winter with up to 20 flights a week from 15 airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and Dublin.
Nearly 500,000 Crystal customers have used the airport since 2004.
The operator’s general manager France, Switzerland and Andorra, Nial McLean, said: “Only a few years ago, the airport celebrated the millionth passengers arriving there.
“We are delighted to be working closely with our partners at Chambéry Savoie airport to improve the experience for Crystal customers, providing a good platform for a stress-free start and end to their ski holiday.”
Nicolas Pelerin, Chambéry Savoie airport manager, said: “We are proud to welcome Crystal Ski Holidays’ tens of thousands British skiers every year and to offer them a better quality of services and make their journey more comfortable to the ski resorts.”