📷© Marc Bélouis.
Humanvibes’ ‘(almost) imaginary no-nonsense interview’ occasionally gives a voice to objects, places, monuments, concepts and events that have a personality of their own and deserve to be highlighted. This is the case with Le Touquet-Elizabeth II International Airport (AILE II), which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and is notable for having been renamed Elizabeth II on May 17, 2025 with King Charles III’s consent officially granted on August 21, 2023. Beyond its role in aviation, the airport is establishing itself as a key driver of regional development. It acts as an economic catalyst for local growth, firmly committed to the ecological transition, having joined the Aéro Biodiversité association to catalogue the flora and fauna on its site, situated near the Bay of Canche, a Natura 2000 site. The airport is delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of its new name, and is more than happy to share its thoughts (*) during this exercise in self-reflection!
(*) Responses from Marc Bélouis, Matthieu Gressier (Managing Director), Estelle Dubail (Press Office) and Mildred Dauphin (QSSE and SGS Compliance Manager).
How are you feeling at the moment?
AILE II – Positive and confident about the future.
The phrase that best describes you?
‘This is a symbol that powerfully embodies the friendship between the two sides of the Channel.’
When was the last time you thought to yourself that you were lucky?
At sunrise over Canche Bay, in the quiet this morning whilst inspecting the runway.
The film you watch on repeat?
A documentary on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry by Natacha Vesnitch and Sonia Baritello entitled ‘The Thousand and One Lives of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Writer-Pilot’ , to mark the 80th anniversary of his death in 2024.
If you were to make a biopic about yourself, what would the title be?
The most British of French airports!
What is a typical day at work like for you?
Staying agile at all times to cope with the unpredictable.
Who believed in you?
The mayor of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Daniel FASQUELLE, by taking over my management in 2024 and initiating my transformation.
What compliment do you like to receive?
Several! That in 1953 I ranked third in France in terms of passenger traffic, just behind Orly-Le Bourget and Nice, and that I have good potential for development.
What is your most memorable professional memory?
Being officially renamed on May 17, 2025 in honour of the Queen of England as ‘Le Touquet-Elizabeth II International Airport’! This was to celebrate her legacy and the impact she has had on our history, and also to commemorate her visit to Le Touquet as a young girl in the company of her uncle, the future King Edward VIII.
What are you most proud of?
My terrace named ‘Les frères Caudron’ on the upper floor, which allows visitors to take in a panoramic view of my facilities and enjoy a front-row seat to watch the tarmac and the runway.
What superpower would you like to have?
To fly! [Laughs.] And to fulfil all the travel wishes of the region’s residents.
Challenges along the way?
Modernising my infrastructure and services to keep pace with the growth of the seaside resort, the Côte d’Opale area and even the whole region I serve.
A song title that sums you up?
‘Mr. Blue Sky’ from 1970 by the British band Electric Light Orchestra. On April 23, 2015 the band’s leader Jeff Lynne received the 2,548th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The artist was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, an honorary distinction awarded in 2020 on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday.
What will you be doing in 5 minutes?
Calling the control tower to prepare for the day’s flights.
Comments recorded on April 29, 2026
Marc Bélouis / Humanvibes on May 12, 2026
And to go further:
But where is Le Touquet–Elizabeth II International Airport located which can now be visited on the last Wednesday of each month?
Google My Maps – Icône aéroport © Kerismaker – © Humanvibes (2026)
A lovely flight from Brighton City Airport (Shoreham) to Le-Touquet Airport in France!
Three friends travelled to Le Touquet in the 1950s, crossing the Channel aboard the Silver City Airways service.
Official animated video for « Mr. Blue Sky » by Electric Light Orchestra.
Marc / Humanvibes
