Aéroport de Calais – Marck
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Aéroport de Calais – Marck
230 Avenue Henri Sainsard - 62730 MARCK
A century of aeronautical history
The aeronautical history of the area began in 1902 on a pasture in Marck, which served as a training ground for the first aviators. In 1937, the current site at Calais-Marck was chosen and construction began. After the German occupation during the Second World War, Calais-Marck Airport was inaugurated on July 4, 1954, with its two grass runways.
©Edeis Fourth busiest airport in France in 1961
The companies Silver City, Air Charter and then British Air Ferries then provided regular flights between Calais and England. The airport reached its peak in 1961, with more than 101,000 passengers transported and a fourth place in the ranking of French airports, before the rise of hovercraft in 1969 caused its commercial activity to decline.
©Edeis Calais-Marck
Renamed Calais-Dunkerque in 1974, and now Calais-Marck Airport, it no longer handles scheduled commercial flights but remains active for general and private aviation, business aviation, freight, aircraft maintenance, and local aviation events. Its proximity to the Channel Tunnel makes it a convenient gateway to the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. It is also a gathering place for aviation enthusiasts, hosting flying clubs, skydiving, and sightseeing flights, alongside the Calais Aero Club and a flight simulator open to the public.
Air show: The Wings of Grand Calais, September 26, 2026
On September 26, 2026, the airport will host Les Ailes de Grand Calais, a major free air show featuring the Patrouille de France, the A400M Atlas and Air Force parachutists, a first in the skies above Marck since 2008. From 9:30 a.m. to 18 p.m., aerial demonstrations, ground activities and stands will fill the day, with paid introductory flights available by reservation in airplanes, microlights or helicopters.
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Unexpected encounters on the tarmac
Calais-Marck airport does not host commercial flights, but its tarmac regularly holds some nice surprises for curious visitors.
Calais-Marck airport regularly receives visits from a frequent visitor to European skies: the Goodyear airship. It crisscrosses Europe every summer since its return to the continent's skies in 2020, based at the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit for the duration of the race before heading to the major European motorsport events, including the Nürburgring, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza, sometimes crossing the Channel to cover British races. A memory preserved in photographs by a few enthusiasts, which serves as a reminder that a local airfield can, for the duration of a stopover, become a discreet witness to the great history of aviation.
©François Devin 
©François Devin 
©François Devin Vintage aircraft in transit to England, light aircraft, or historic planes sometimes stop over here, either for an overnight stay or to refuel. Among the passing visitors seen here are: a North American T-6 Texan, an American training aircraft produced in nearly 15,500 units and used by the Allied forces from the Second World War (known as the SNJ in the US Navy), or two Pilatus P-3Swiss training aircraft designed in the 1950s and used for many years by the Swiss Air Force before joining private collections. This is just one example of the discreet but invaluable role of the platform for general aviation, serving as both an international transit hub and an informal meeting place for vintage aircraft enthusiasts.
A gourmet break with a view of the slope
Fancy extending your visit with a delicious break? Au Vol au Vent, the family-run brasserie located right in the heart of the airport, offers a direct view of the runway from its terrace. With entirely homemade cuisine and themed evenings, the place regularly hosts events, providing a convivial atmosphere for aviation enthusiasts and locals alike.
Discover Au Vol au Vent
©At the Vol au Vent A playground for sky enthusiasts
Beyond its role as a general aviation airport, Calais-Marck Airport is home to several clubs and associations that keep the passion for aviation alive in the region. From piloting and microlight flying to skydiving, everyone can find a gateway to the skies, guided by passionate volunteers.
