The CEO of Air France-KLM, Ben Smith, has launched a scathing critique of Paris' main airport, Charles de Gaulle. Smith accuses the airport operator, Aeroports de Paris (ADP), of failing to provide adequate jet parking facilities, causing daily struggles for airlines and potentially driving up costs. At the heart of the issue lies a lack of jetways, also known as "contact gates." These specialized bridges connect arriving and departing airplanes directly to the terminal building, enabling passengers to embark and disembark efficiently. According to Smith, during peak morning hours, dozens of planes are left stranded without a jetway, forcing passengers to use buses to reach the terminal. This not only disrupts passenger experience but also disrupts operational efficiency for airlines.
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Smith argues that this shortage stems from limitations within Terminal 2, a key hub for Air France. Designed in the 1980s, the terminal's layout prioritizes minimizing walking distances for passengers within the terminal itself. However, this comes at the expense of having fewer gates directly connected to the building. Air France has reported that due to the jetway shortage, they are forced to park 10% of medium-haul flights and 5% of long-haul flights at remote stands. This necessitates additional ground transportation for passengers, further impacting turnaround times and potentially increasing costs.
The situation exposes a wider challenge for airports around the world. As air travel rebounds from the pandemic slump, airport infrastructure may struggle to keep pace with rising passenger numbers. This can lead to congestion, delays, and – as highlighted by Air France-KLM – a lack of crucial parking facilities.
Whether ADP will address Air France-KLM's concerns and invest in expanding jetway capacity at Charles de Gaulle Airport remains to be seen. However, Smith's criticism serves as a stark reminder of the need for airports to adapt and upgrade their infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing and evolving aviation industry.