Strasbourg Airport — Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg's position near the German border, and its role hosting the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, gives SXB a distinctly international passenger base despite the airport's relatively modest size compared with France's larger hubs. A rail shuttle connects the terminal to Strasbourg's main station, from which high-speed trains reach Paris in under two hours, a link that has drawn some traffic away from short-haul flights in recent years. The Alsace region's blend of French and German influences shows up throughout Strasbourg itself, from its cathedral to its half-timbered old town, and the airport serves as many visitors' first stop before exploring that cultural mix. Business travel tied to European Union institutions forms a notable share of demand, particularly during weeks when parliamentary sessions bring officials and staff into the city. Domestic routes connect Strasbourg to Paris and other French cities, supplementing the airport's cross-border European connections.