Paris Charles de Gaulle: Leading the European Airport Race

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport has firmly established itself as the premier arrival point in the European Union for passengers traveling from outside the region. Surpassing historical rivals Frankfurt and Amsterdam, CDG handled a staggering 100 million passengers annually, connecting nearly 500 cities worldwide, with 90% of those destinations being international. This accomplishment in 2023 marks a significant rebound for the hub, which had been temporarily relegated during the global health crisis.

Long-haul traffic from eleven major tourist markets, including the United States, China, India, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, has recovered to 88% of its 2019 levels, generating a substantial 57.8 million passengers. Paris alone captures nearly 80% of these travelers destined for France. These figures demonstrate a successful recovery and highlight the airport’s increased responsibility to sustain this growth while navigating heightened competition.

This resurgence is not accidental. In an era where major global airports compete fiercely for attractiveness, from Doha to London and Istanbul, Paris is betting on a model that blends extensive flight networks, high-quality service, and enhanced regional connectivity. The core goal is to remain the primary gateway for European tourism.

Strategic Expansion of Long-Haul Routes

2024 marked a pivotal year for CDG’s long-haul network expansion strategy. Several key route openings have solidified Paris’s position as a crucial hub for international tourist flows.

Qantas launched a direct service between Perth and Paris-Charles de Gaulle in July 2024. This flight, the longest ever operated from CDG, restores an air link absent for two decades and establishes the only direct connection between France and Australia. This is significant as it exemplifies Paris’s strategy to attract high-value customers who previously relied on intermediate hubs.

In December 2024, Air France inaugurated a new route between Paris and Manila, with three weekly flights. This makes CDG the sole European airport offering a direct connection to the Philippines. Air France has further expanded its network by adding Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, strengthening its presence in the United States with a route to Phoenix, and planning a service to Orlando starting in May 2025, which will bring the total number of North American destinations served from Paris to 18.

Since March 2025, Malaysia Airlines has directly linked Kuala Lumpur to Paris, a first between the two capitals, significantly enhancing connectivity between France and Southeast Asia.

These additions are carefully planned to stimulate tourism demand. According to data, non-stop flights generate 1.5 to 3 times more passengers than routes with layovers. Public and private entities like Atout France, Groupe ADP, and Choose Paris Region are targeting markets with high growth potential, including India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Korea. In a competitive market, these direct routes are not just commercial links but strategic tools for tourism.

Economic Impact Beyond Tourism

Traditional tourism statistics do not fully capture the importance of airports. A 2023 study by BDO Advisory found that Paris airports generate 65 billion euros in revenue and contribute 33 billion euros to the GDP. These are not just transit points but major economic platforms employing 120,000 people directly.

A 10% increase in air connectivity can boost national GDP by 0.5% and increase foreign direct investment by 4.7%. Launching a new route creates wealth for regions, businesses, and tourism professionals, extending the average stay in France and increasing visitor spending.

Universal Accessibility and Inclusivity

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games highlighted French infrastructure and accelerated progress towards universal accessibility. On March 6th, the Minister Delegate for Tourism, Nathalie Delattre, announced the revision of the "Destination for All" label, recognizing accessible destinations for residents and travelers with disabilities. This initiative reflects a cultural shift towards universal, sustainable tourism that caters to everyone. Inclusion is becoming a criterion for excellence in French tourism.

Global Airport Ranking and Competition

According to Airports Council International World, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) remained the global leader in 2024 with 108 million passengers. Dubai International Airport (DXB) followed with 92.3 million passengers, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) handled 87.8 million passengers. Paris-Charles de Gaulle ranked seventh globally with 64.5 million passengers, just behind Amsterdam-Schiphol. This ranking underscores the need for continued investment, operational reliability, and a positive international image to maintain competitiveness.

Future Growth and Sustainability

The World Tourism Organization projects 2.4 billion international travelers by 2040, almost a billion more than before the pandemic. This growth reshapes global tourism, giving emerging markets unprecedented influence. Paris faces the challenge of accommodating this growth by developing new routes to Asia and Latin America while ensuring sustainability. Groupe ADP’s "Pioneers 2025" roadmap focuses on intermodality, energy efficiency, and continuous platform modernization.

Paris has many advantages, but the landscape is evolving. Remaining competitive requires foresight, investment, and building lasting relationships with emerging tourism centers. Paris must continue to invest in infrastructure, streamline operations, and enhance the passenger experience to maintain its leading position in the European and global aviation landscape.