Bordeaux-Mérignac airport: a history marked by the Second World War

The premières années : la naissance d'un as airport

The airport of Bordeaux-Mérignac came into being in the 1910sat the beginning of the aviation era. Initially, it was a small airfield used for civil and military flights. The Bordeaux region, with its dynamic economy and strategic geographical position, seemed ideal for the development of an aviation infrastructure.

Between the wars, the airport began to develop. Commercial flights connect Bordeaux with other major French cities, while the military air force continues to use Mérignac for exercises and training missions. However, it was with the outbreak of the Second World War that the airport took on major strategic importance.

1940 : L'oGerman occupation and requisition by the Luftwaffe

When France fell to Nazi forces in 1940, Mérignac airport was quickly requisitioned by the Luftwaffethe German air force. Mérignac became a nerve centre for the occupying forces' air operations in south-west France.

During the Occupation, the airport was transformed to meet German military requirements. Additional hangars were built, the runways were lengthened and new facilities were erected to house Luftwaffe aircraft and personnel. Mérignac became a base for reconnaissance aircraft, which regularly flew over the Atlantic and the French coast, gathering information vital to the German war effort.

1943 : L'arrival of the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 "Condors

One of the most crucial periods in Mérignac's history occurred in 1943, with the arrival of the Focke-Wulf Fw 200, also known as the "Condors".. These long-range bombing and reconnaissance aircraft played an essential role in Germany's submarine war.

The Condors were mainly used to track Allied convoys in the North Atlantic. From Mérignac, these aircraft took off on dangerous missions, locating Allied ships and coordinating attacks by German submarines, the famous U-Boats. Thanks to Mérignac, the Luftwaffe extended its range over a vast area of the Atlantic Ocean, making sea travel particularly perilous for the Allies.

1944: The bombardments aand the bataille for Mérignac

As the Allied forces prepared for the Normandy landings, Mérignac became a priority target for the Allied air force. In June 1944, a series of massive bombing raids was launched against the airport. The aim of these raids was to weaken the Luftwaffe's air capabilities and disorganise the German defences before D-Day.

The bombardments caused considerable damage. The runways were riddled with craters and several hangars were destroyed, and many German aircraft were damaged or grounded. The Mérignac air base, once so formidable, was now almost unusable for German forces. This weakening helped facilitate the Allied operations in Normandy and speed up the liberation of France.

August 1944: The liberation of Bordeaux and the reprise in Mérignac

After the Normandy landings and the rapid advance of the Allied forces, Bordeaux was finally liberated in August 1944. Mérignac airport, crucial to control of the region, was taken over by French and Allied forces. The Allies quickly began to repair the facilities to make them operational as quickly as possible.

The Free French Air Force (FAFL) and the US Air Force used the airport as a major logistics base to support military operations in Europe. Allied bombers and transport aircraft regularly took off from Mérignac for missions across the continent, carrying troops, equipment and supplies.

L'anear-guerre : La reconversion of Mérignac

After the end of the Second World War, Mérignac airport underwent another transformation. From an essential military base, it gradually became a civilian airport. However, memories of its military past are omnipresent, and many of the infrastructures built during the war have been reused for civilian purposes.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the airport underwent rapid modernisation. The runways were redeveloped to accommodate jet aircraft, new facilities were built and Mérignac opened up more and more to international flights. Thanks to Mérignac, Bordeaux strengthened its role as a hub for trade and tourism in south-west France.

A heritory historical durable

Today, Bordeaux-Mérignac airport is one of France's leading regional airports, serving millions of passengers every year. It is a gateway to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, renowned for its cultural heritage, wines and magnificent coastline.

Despite its modern development, the airport has never completely erased the traces of its past. Some wartime buildings are still visible, and remnants of the bunkers and hangars used by the Luftwaffe can still be seen in the surrounding area. The airport also retains a living memory of its role during the Second World War through regular exhibitions and commemorations.

After exploring the eventful history of Mérignac airport, it's time to think about your own mission: making your journey a success without a hitch.. But don't worry, there's no need to call up the Luftwaffe or survive an Allied raid! To make sure your departure goes as smoothly as possible, remember to book your car park with Beep Valet Parkinglocated just 5 minutes from the airport. Whether you're arriving lightly or with a load of luggage, our team will take care of you as soon as you arrive. And while you're exploring the skies, your car will be safely waiting. After all, good preparation is the key to avoiding any (nasty) surprises... even if you're no longer likely to come across a Focke-Wulf along the way!