France has approved a major agreement that will support an €8.2 billion investment program for Paris airports over the next eight years.
Airport operator Groupe ADP and the French government reached the deal to modernize and expand infrastructure at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. The plan aims to improve passenger travel, increase airport capacity, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of both airports.
The agreement builds on proposals first introduced by Groupe ADP in late 2025. It creates an economic framework that supports investment while providing a fair return on capital. The project is based on expected annual traffic growth of 1.9%, total investment of €8.2 billion, and annual cost savings of €140 million by 2034.
Groupe ADP Chief Executive Philippe Pascal said the agreement is the result of extensive work with stakeholders. He noted that it balances investment, competitiveness, and financial returns. The plan is expected to deliver an average return on capital of 5.8% during its term.
Pascal described the project as the largest investment program ever launched at Paris airports. He said the upgrades will strengthen the position of Paris airports as important assets for France’s economy, tourism sector, and international business activity.
The Paris Airports Investment Plan will be carried out in three stages between 2027 and 2034. The first stage will focus on improving the passenger experience. Airport authorities plan to increase border control capacity and modernize security screening systems. These improvements are designed to reduce delays and make travel more efficient.
The second stage will focus on increasing airport capacity through better use of existing facilities. Airport operators will optimize current infrastructure to support future growth in passenger traffic. This approach aims to improve efficiency without requiring immediate large-scale expansion.
The third stage will begin in 2032 and focus on developing new capacity while improving connections with other transport systems. Stronger links between airports and rail services form a key part of the long-term strategy. Officials believe better transport integration will make travel easier for passengers and support sustainable growth.
Pascal said the company is moving forward confidently through the remaining regulatory process. The goal is for the agreement to take effect at the start of 2027. Airlines will take part in a formal consultation process in September, and a final agreement is expected to be signed in November.
Air France-KLM has expressed strong support for the investment program. During the company’s second-quarter earnings presentation on July 30, executives said strengthening Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a strategic priority in a highly competitive aviation market.
The airline said the agreement provides the long-term certainty needed to support major infrastructure improvements. Air France-KLM accounts for about half of the activity at Charles de Gaulle Airport, making it one of the most important users of the facility.
Company officials said they worked closely with airport authorities to identify key investment priorities. These include improving passenger and aircraft movement, simplifying travel processes, increasing the number of aircraft contact stands, advancing decarbonization efforts, and strengthening rail connections.
Air France-KLM noted that several important improvements have already been completed, including the full renovation of Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, the airline said capacity challenges continue to affect operations.
Aircraft parking areas have become increasingly constrained, while border control facilities often face congestion during peak travel periods. The airline believes the proposed investment plan directly addresses these issues and will improve operational performance across the airport.
The announcement came as Groupe ADP reported stronger financial results for the first half of the year. Net profit increased to €312 million, nearly three times higher than the same period last year. Revenue rose 1.6% to €3.2 billion.
Passenger traffic at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports increased by only 0.5% during the first six months of the year, reaching 51.6 million travelers. Groupe ADP said conflict in the Middle East affected travel demand and limited growth.
The company now expects passenger growth at the two Paris airports to remain around 0.5% for the full year. This is lower than its earlier forecast of between 1.5% and 2.5%.
Across Groupe ADP’s wider international airport network, passenger traffic increased by just 0.2% to 179.2 million travelers during the January-to-June period. Despite slower traffic growth, the Paris Airports Investment Plan is expected to improve efficiency, support long-term expansion, and strengthen the global competitiveness of France’s largest airports.
