Charles de Gaulle Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (IATA: CDG, ICAO: LFPG), is the largest international airport in France and one of the busiest in Europe. Located in Roissy-en-France, 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Paris, it serves as the primary hub for Air France and its subsidiary Air France-KLM.
History
- 1966: The French government decided to build a new airport to replace the outdated Orly Airport, which was then Paris's main international airport.
- 1974: The first terminal (Terminal 1) was inaugurated on March 8, 1974, and was named after Charles de Gaulle, the former President of France.
- 1982: Terminal 2 was opened to accommodate growing traffic, especially for domestic and intra-European flights.
- 1995: The airport saw the addition of the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) station, providing direct rail connections to various destinations in France and beyond.
- 2003: A major expansion project began with the construction of Terminal 3.
- 2007: Terminal 2E, which had suffered a partial collapse in 2004, was fully reconstructed and opened to the public.
Facilities
The airport consists of three main terminals:
- Terminal 1: Known for its unique octagonal design, it handles mainly international flights.
- Terminal 2: Comprises several satellite buildings (2A to 2G), serving both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. This terminal is particularly significant for SkyTeam alliance members.
- Terminal 3: Originally built for charter flights, it now also serves low-cost carriers.
Charles de Gaulle Airport is equipped with:
- Over 270 gates.
- Numerous lounges for different airlines and alliances.
- A vast array of shopping and dining options.
- Two runways, with plans for a third to increase capacity.
Traffic
In 2019, before the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles de Gaulle Airport handled:
- Approximately 76.2 million passengers.
- 498,000 aircraft movements.
- Over 2.1 million tonnes of cargo.
Transportation
Charles de Gaulle Airport is well-connected by various means:
- RER B train line, providing direct links to Paris.
- Bus services including the Roissybus, Noctilien, and several other local bus lines.
- Taxis and shuttle services.
- Car rental services and parking facilities.
- The CDGVAL, an automated shuttle that connects the terminals and parking areas.
Environmental Considerations
The airport has been focusing on reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives:
- Installation of solar panels.
- Improvement of energy efficiency in buildings.
- Development of green spaces and wildlife preservation areas within the airport's vicinity.
Accolades and Criticisms
Charles de Gaulle Airport has received:
- Accolades for its architecture, particularly Terminal 1's design.
- Criticism for issues like the partial collapse of Terminal 2E in 2004, which led to significant safety improvements.
External Links
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