Aircraft handling at EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg

One airport, two countries

EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg (ICAO LFSB) is located entirely on French territory, near Saint-Louis in Alsace, but is operated jointly by France and Switzerland under a 1949 Franco-Swiss convention. That is why it uses three IATA codes: BSL for the Swiss sector, MLH for the French sector and EAP for the airport as a whole. A customs road links the Swiss sector directly to Basel without passengers formally entering France.

For business aviation, the sector matters. It decides which customs regime applies to goods and aircraft, where passengers exit the terminal, and how ground transport reaches Basel, Mulhouse or Freiburg. Tell us the passengers' final destination before we request handling.

Customs, borders and Schengen

Both France and Switzerland are in the Schengen Area, so passport checks follow Schengen rules. Customs is different: Switzerland is outside the EU customs union. Goods, cargo, aircraft spares and, in some cases, the aircraft itself may need to be declared differently depending on the sector used. Check current requirements with the handler and authorities, particularly when carrying goods or when a non-EU aircraft will stay for a period.

Runways and operations

The French AIP lists a main runway, 15/33, of about 3,900 m and a secondary runway 08/26 of about 1,820 m. The airport serves airlines, cargo and business aviation, so peak airline banks can affect taxi times and parking. Noise rules and night restrictions apply; check AIP France and NOTAMs for current hours and limits for your aircraft.

Handling, fuel and parking

LFS coordinates handling with the provider that serves your chosen sector and aircraft, including parking, fuel, catering, passenger transfers and crew hotels. LFS does not own or operate an FBO at EuroAirport. Large events in Basel, such as the major art fair held each June, can tighten parking and hotels, so request early.

Fuel can be arranged through the handler or a contract fuel release. For aircraft that need longer stays, see our aircraft parking coordination support.

Nearby alternates

Zurich (LSZH) and Geneva (LSGG) are the main Swiss alternatives, with Strasbourg (LFST) on the French side. See our Geneva handling page for comparison. The right alternate depends on weather, opening hours, customs needs and the passengers' destination.

What LFS coordinates for LFSB

• Sector choice and handling request with the right provider.
• Customs and border planning for passengers, goods and aircraft.
• Flight planning and slot requests where applicable.
• Fuel, catering, crew hotels and transport.
• Landing permits for operators that need them.

Information to send

• Aircraft type, registration and operator nationality.
• UTC schedule and origin (Schengen or non-Schengen).
• Passengers' destination: Basel/Switzerland, France or Germany.
• Any goods, cargo or spares on board.