Parisian Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To The City's Aviation

Paris has multiple airports serving the city, with sources citing two, three, or four airports. The two main airports are Paris Orly and Roissy Charles de Gaulle, with the latter also known as Paris-Le Bourget Airport and the former sometimes referred to as Paris Orly Airport or ORY. Paris Orly is mostly used for domestic flights and is located 13km or 18km south of Paris. Charles de Gaulle Airport, on the other hand, is the primary airport for international and long-haul flights and is situated 25km or 30km north-east of Paris. In addition to these two main airports, Paris is also served by Paris Beauvais (also known as Paris Beauvais-Tillé International Airport or Aéroport Paris-Beauvais) and Châlons Vatry Airport, which are used by low-cost airlines. Paris Beauvais is located 75km or 80km north of Paris.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

The airport features three massive terminals spread across more than a mile, with a wide array of amenities and services. These terminals are connected by free shuttle buses and automated trains. Terminal 1 is the oldest and situated opposite Terminal 3, while Terminal 2 is located separately and consists of seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 2 was initially designed for Air France but has since been expanded to accommodate other airlines. Terminals 2A to 2F are interconnected by elevated walkways, while Terminal 2G is a satellite building accessible via shuttle bus. Terminal 3, previously known as "Terminal 9," primarily serves charter and low-cost airlines.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport offers various transportation options to and from the city of Paris. The RER B train line connects the airport to central Paris, with two stations on the airport grounds: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 and 2 TGV stations. The CDGVAL light-rail shuttle provides connections between Terminals 1 and 3 and their parking lots, as well as the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station. Additionally, taxi services, private cars, and airport coaches operated by Air France are available for travel within Paris.

The airport also features a range of dining, shopping, and accommodation options. Roissypôle, a complex within the airport, includes office buildings, shopping areas, hotels, and a bus coach and RER B station. It is home to the head offices of Air France and its subsidiaries, as well as hotels such as the Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airport terminals themselves offer a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and boutiques to suit different tastes and budgets.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

ORY is used mainly for domestic, European, and Middle Eastern flights, with numerous airlines operating nearly 600 flights per day to dozens of destinations worldwide. The airport has four terminals: Orly 1, Orly 2, Orly 3 on the west side, and Orly 4 on the south side. All terminals are equipped with shops, restaurants, and other amenities, including a duty-free shop, lounges, and a bureau de change. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, ticket machines, smartphone charging stations, information kiosks, and a lost baggage office.

In terms of transportation, ORY is easily accessible by train, tram, bus, and road. The nearest train station served by SNCF, Ouigo, and TER trains is Paris Montparnasse, about 14 km from the airport. The Orlyval shuttle connects the airport to Antony station, from where passengers can take an RER B train into Paris. The OrlyBus service provides a direct bus connection to Place Denfert-Rochereau, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, taxi services and private car transfers are available at the airport.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ORY was closed to commercial traffic from April 1, 2020, to June 25, 2020, with flights relocated to CDG. However, it remained open for State flights, emergency diversions, and medical evacuations. In October 2023, it was announced that Air France would significantly reduce its operations at ORY by summer 2026.

Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)

The airport features two terminals with duty-free shops, international newsstands, restaurants, and vending machines. Both terminals also offer free Wi-Fi. Paris-Beauvais Airport is significantly smaller than other Paris airports, such as Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY), with more limited facilities and amenities.

Paris-Beauvais Airport has a history dating back to the 1930s when it was built. During World War II, it was seized by the Germans in June 1940 and used as a Luftwaffe military airfield. After the war, the airport was returned to French authorities in 1945. There were plans to offer the airport to NATO in the 1950s, but these were discontinued due to funding shortages for necessary upgrades.

Travelling to and from Paris-Beauvais Airport takes considerable time, and it is important to plan accordingly. While the airport is served by coach, rail, minibus, and shuttle services, it is not located in Paris or its suburbs, which can make the journey more challenging. It is primarily served by budget airlines, which may contribute to understaffing and potential delays. However, for travellers seeking low-cost flight options, Paris-Beauvais Airport can be a convenient choice, especially if they plan their journey in advance and allow for potential delays.

Paris–Le Bourget Airport

Paris has four airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport, Paris–Le Bourget Airport, and Paris-Beauvais Airport. Paris–Le Bourget Airport, located 6.9 miles north-northeast of Paris, is the original city airport. It is now used for general aviation, including business jet operations, and hosts air shows such as the Paris Air Show. The airport, which started commercial operations in 1919, was Paris's only airport until the construction of Orly Airport in 1932. It is famous as the landing site for Charles Lindbergh's historic solo transatlantic crossing in 1927 in the Spirit of St. Louis.

Since 1975, Le Bourget Airport has been home to the Musée de l’air et de l’espace, France's main state-owned aviation museum. The museum's space has gradually expanded since the discontinuation of regular commercial traffic in 1977. The airport features a statue commemorating Raymonde de Laroche, the first woman to earn a pilot's licence, as well as a monument honouring Lindbergh and the pilots of The White Bird, Nungesser, and Coli.

Le Bourget Airport is operated by Groupe ADP under the brand Paris Aéroport, which also includes Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports. The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including taxi, private car, coach, and train services.

Châlons Vatry Airport

Paris, France, is served by several airports, including Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), Beauvais (BVA), Paris–Le Bourget, and Châlons Vatry Airport.

As a cargo airport, Châlons Vatry Airport plays a significant role in freight transport. Its location in the heart of the Champagne-Ardenne region enhances its logistics capabilities. The airport's cargo operations are managed by a dedicated team that ensures efficient and secure handling. The airport's website provides contact information for cargo handling, allowing for smooth coordination with freight forwarders and shipping companies.

In addition to its functional role, Châlons Vatry Airport also contributes to the vibrant character of the region. Châlons-en-Champagne is a popular holiday destination in France, known for its bubbly atmosphere and the production of renowned Champagne. The airport's proximity to this charming town adds to its appeal, offering travellers a unique blend of efficient transportation and cultural immersion.

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