Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
History, Facts and Overview

(Brest, France)

Bretagne Airport first came into existence during the First World War, when it was nothing more than a hangar used for storing small aircraft, close to the suburb of Guipavas. The local Brest government decided to convert the site into an aerodrome in the mid-1930s and after the end of the Second World War, the runway was extended to just under 1,800 metres / 5,905 feet.

In 1961, Brest Bretagne Airport gained a commercial licence and its age of passenger flights began. It was not long until many renovations were underway, including the addition of a new airport control tower. The next 20 years saw further runway extensions, a new terminal building and general improvements.


Of particular importance, the runway was lengthened once more in 1992, to more than 3,000 metres / 9,845 feet, allowing jumbo jets to start using Brest Bretagne Airport (BES) at last.

Facilities at the airport include shops, a restaurant, a business centre suitable for meetings and conferences and car rental agencies. The airport also offers wireless Internet access, while those looking for the perfect Brest souvenir should pay a visit to the Anne Quentel gift shop.