Ruth Haines
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and its aviation sector is one of the most active in Europe. The largest international airport in France is Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, located around 23 kilometres northeast of the city. The airport has three main terminals, covering 32.38 square kilometres of land. It is served by over 105 airlines, offering flights to 328 destinations in 119 countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Charles de Gaulle International Airport |
| Location | Roissy-en-France, 23 km (14 mi) northeast of Paris |
| IATA | CDG |
| ICAO | LFPG |
| Year opened | 1974 |
| Terminals | 3 |
| Area | 32.38 sq km |
| Airlines operating | 105-108 |
| Destinations served | 237-328 |
| Passenger capacity | 72 million per year |
| Passenger traffic in 2024 | 70,290,260 |
| Aircraft movements in 2024 | 460,916 |
| Cargo traffic in 2019 | 2,102,268 tonnes |
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What You'll Learn
Charles de Gaulle Airport
CDG is France's largest and busiest airport, serving as a hub for Air France and other legacy carriers, as well as an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways. In 2024, the airport handled over 70 million passengers and nearly 461,000 aircraft movements, making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest in terms of passenger numbers. It is also the eleventh busiest airport in the world for cargo traffic, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo in 2019.
The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land and has three main terminals, built between 1974 and 2007. Terminal 2, which opened in 1981, has seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G), while Terminal 3 (formerly Terminal 9) hosts charter and low-cost airlines. Terminal 1 is the oldest and is situated opposite Terminal 3. The terminals are served by a free automated shuttle rail system, including the CDGVAL, which connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and their parking lots.
The airport area, including terminals and runways, spans over three départements and six communes. It is operated by Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris) under the brand Paris Aéroport, which is applied to all Parisian airports. The complex also includes Roissypôle, a complex of office buildings, shopping areas, hotels, and a bus and train station within the airport.
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Location and history
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is France's largest airport. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23 kilometres (14 miles) northeast of Paris. The airport is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970), whose initials form its IATA airport code, CDG. Covering 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land, the airport spans over three départements and six communes. These include Seine-et-Marne département: Le Mesnil-Amelot (Terminal 2E, Satellites S3 and S4, and Terminal 2F), Mauregard (Terminals 1, 3), and Mitry-Mory (Terminal 2G) communes; Seine-Saint-Denis département: Tremblay-en-France (Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and Roissypôle) commune; and Val-d'Oise département: Roissy-en-France.
The airport officially opened in 1974, with Terminal 1 as the oldest building. Terminal 2, which was originally built exclusively for Air France, opened in 1981 and was officially inaugurated in March 1982 by then-President Francois Mitterrand. Terminal 2 has since been expanded significantly and now houses other airlines, with Terminals 2A to 2F interconnected by elevated walkways and situated next to each other, and Terminal 2G as a satellite building connected by shuttle bus. Terminal 3 (formerly known as "Terminal 9") hosts charter and low-cost airlines. The CDGVAL light-rail shuttle connects Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 and 3 and their parking lots.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is served by more than 105 airlines, offering flights to 328 destinations in 119 countries. It is the principal hub for Air France, which has its headquarters at the airport, and it serves as a destination for other legacy carriers (from Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam). It is also an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways. In 2019, the airport handled 2,102,268 tonnes of cargo, making it the eleventh busiest in the world and the busiest in Europe in terms of cargo traffic. In 2024, the airport handled 70,290,260 passengers and 460,916 aircraft movements, ranking as the world's ninth busiest and Europe's third busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers.
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Airlines and destinations
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is France's largest airport. It is located 23 kilometres northeast of Paris and has three terminals, which were built between 1974 and 2007. The airport is served by more than 105 airlines, including Air France, EasyJet France, Ryanair DAC, and Norse Atlantic Airways. These airlines offer flights to various destinations within France, Europe, and the rest of the world. For example, Air France, the largest airline in France, serves 184 flight destinations. Overall, Charles de Gaulle Airport offers connections to 328 destinations in 119 countries.
In addition to its extensive flight network, Charles de Gaulle Airport also handles a significant amount of cargo traffic. It is the busiest cargo airport in Europe and the eleventh busiest in the world, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo in 2019. The airport also has a complex called Roissypôle, which consists of office buildings, shopping areas, hotels, and a bus and train station. The complex includes the head offices of several Air France subsidiaries, as well as the Air France Vaccinations Centre.
Another major airport in France is Orly Airport, which is located closer to central Paris. It serves as a hub for point-to-point flights within Europe, offering connections to 128 destinations in 48 countries. Orly Airport is a convenient option for travellers doing business in Paris or those involved in smaller-scale productions or events.
Nice Airport, on the other hand, serves as a gateway to the French Riviera. It offers access to popular destinations such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco, with connections to 120 destinations globally. This airport is often used by film productions looking to take advantage of the picturesque Côte d’Azur and luxury incentives or team-building retreats in the Riviera.
Lastly, Bordeaux Airport is emerging as a popular choice for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travellers. It provides easy access to southwestern France, including the renowned wine regions, making it ideal for corporate retreats and team-building activities.
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Terminals and facilities
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest airport in France. It is located 23 kilometres northeast of Paris in Roissy-en-France and was opened in 1974. The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres of land, including terminals and runways, and spans over three départements and six communes.
The airport has three main terminals, which were built between 1974 and 2007. Terminal 1 is the oldest and is situated opposite Terminal 3. Terminal 2, which was inaugurated in March 1982 by then-President Francois Mitterrand, is located on the other side and has seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 2 was originally built exclusively for Air France, but it 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 by shuttle bus. Terminal 3, formerly known as "Terminal 9," caters to charter and low-cost airlines.
The airport's terminals are served by a free automated shuttle rail system, consisting of two lines: CDGVAL and LISA. CDGVAL links Terminal 1, the PR parking lot, the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 RER station (located within Roissypôle, next to Terminal 3), the PX parking lot, and the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV and RER station between Terminals 1 and 2. The CDG Express, a direct express rail link from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport, is expected to open in early 2027.
Within the airport complex, there is also the Roissypôle, which consists of office buildings, shopping areas, hotels, and a bus coach and RER B station. The head office of Air France, Continental Square, the Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and le Dôme building are all located within Roissypôle.
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Passenger and cargo statistics
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest airport in France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23 kilometres (14 miles) northeast of Paris. The airport has three main terminals, built between 1974 and 2007. Terminal 2 is the largest, with seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 1 is the oldest, situated opposite Terminal 3, which hosts charter and low-cost airlines.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is served by more than 105 airlines, including Air France, EasyJet France, and Ryanair DAC. In 2019, the airport handled 2,102,268 tonnes of cargo, making it the eleventh busiest in the world and the busiest in Europe for cargo traffic. The airport's official passenger capacity is around 72 million passengers per year, although this figure was exceeded before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the airport handled 26.2 million passengers, making it the largest airport in the European Union. The number of passengers travelling through the airport decreased during the pandemic, with around 22.3 million passengers in 2020. However, the airport has seen a gradual increase in passenger traffic since then, with approximately 67.4 million passengers in 2023.
In terms of international passengers, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the world. Its busiest international routes are to New York JFK, Heathrow, Barcelona El Prat, and Dubai. The airport also serves as a hub for Air France, offering a wide network of national and international routes and both passenger and cargo flights.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport plays a significant role in the aviation sector of France, which is one of the most active in Europe. The country's aviation industry is supported by a dense network of airports and a strong presence of national and international airlines. France's position as one of the most visited countries in the world contributes to the importance of its airports, with tourism playing a crucial role in its economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France's largest and busiest airport.
The airport is located in Roissy-en-France, 23 km (14 mi) northeast of Paris.
The airport has three main terminals, with Terminal 2 having 7 sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G).
The airport has connections to 328 destinations in 119 countries.
