Lille Airport inaugurated a new direct connection to Gran Canaria in April 2026, operated by the airline Volotea. This strategic route aims to channel the flow of tourists from northern France to the archipelago, taking advantage of the island's stable climate and diverse landscapes, from its volcanic terrain to its urban offerings.
The opening of this route marks a milestone in the development of the network of destinations from Lille, facilitating direct access to one of Spain's main tourist destinations. Officials from the French airport celebrated the inaugural flight, highlighting the importance of this partnership with Volotea in strengthening the leisure and business travel options to the Canary Islands.
French tourists visiting the Canary Islands, who now have an additional direct connection thanks to Volotea's new route from Lille, have a very distinct spending profile compared to the archipelago's average. According to 2026 market data, the average expenditure per trip by a French visitor is €1.349, slightly lower than the overall Canary Islands average of €1.443.
On a daily basis, French tourists spend an average of €170,9, of which €120,6 is spent on accommodations, excluding airfare. This figure is lower than the average daily expenditure of all visitors to the islands, who spend €176,9. Total revenue generated by this market (visitors aged 16 and over) amounts to €1.086 billion, solidifying France's position as a strategic source of tourists for the islands' economy.
The average cost of transport for these travelers is €391, below the €410 average for all tourists in the Canary Islands. This difference could be influenced by the increase in direct routes and the operations of low-cost airlines connecting French regional cities with the archipelago.
Regarding accommodation, the average cost is €958, compared to the Canary Islands average of €1.033. This data reflects that, while the French market is highly profitable, it tends to optimize spending on accommodation and transport more than other international tourist profiles, focusing its budget on the direct experience at the destination. French tourist spending in the Canary Islands: €1.349 per trip compared to the overall average of €1.443
