Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Introduce New Terminal Names for Easier Passenger Navigation

Published on December 12, 2025

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will undergo a major renaming project in 2027 to simplify passenger movement. The change will reshape how travellers navigate the large hub, which welcomes a steady flow of international and connecting guests each day. The updated system will aim to support smoother journeys, particularly for visitors who rely on clear direction during their travel transitions.

A New Numbered System Planned for 2027

The airport will shift to a new terminal structure in March 2027. All terminals will follow a simple sequence from Terminal 1 to Terminal 7. This adjustment will replace the current format that blends letters and numbers. Travellers will no longer use combinations like 2E or specific hall names. Instead, the new method will offer a uniform approach that may help reduce confusion.

Departure lounges will also be reorganised. They will use letters only once passengers enter the secure zone. This format has been designed to support consistent navigation for global visitors. Many travellers pass through CDG while connecting, and more than 30 percent do so each day. The new layout intends to make the movement between flights more intuitive for these guests.

Parking areas will also adopt matching numbers. Each parking facility will carry the same number as its linked terminal. This pairing is expected to create a simple orientation system for tourists arriving by car or being dropped off.

A Large-Scale Preparation Phase Ahead of the Change

Airlines will begin adopting the new terminal names in March 2026. The early shift is needed because many carriers sell tickets one year before departure. Visitors booking long-term trips may therefore see the updated terminology well before the official launch in 2027.

The transition requires coordination across the wider airport community. Around 900 companies and 90,000 staff members operate within the airport. All must adjust internal processes, signage plans, and communication systems.

Between September and December 2026, thousands of physical signs will be replaced. Over 3,000 terminal signs will change. Around 600 parking signs and 250 roadway signs will also be removed and updated. These changes will support the new naming framework and ensure that travellers see consistent information from the moment they approach the airport.

Internal systems will face a significant shift as well. Nearly 10,000 CCTV cameras and many airport IT applications will require reconfiguration. This technical update is essential to match operational data with the new structure. The revised signage will then be unveiled in March 2027, marking the full transition.

Traveller Expectations and Journey Simplicity

Clear airport design plays an important role in global travel. Visitors depend on straightforward direction when navigating large transit hubs. A consistent layout can help reduce travel stress, especially during tight connections. Renaming projects often influence how quickly guests locate gates, lounges, and services. These adjustments can also shape a traveller’s impression of the overall journey.

Tourists generally appreciate environments that minimise uncertainty. Wayfinding becomes more intuitive when information appears simple and predictable. A uniform numbering system can provide smoother movement across large spaces. Many travellers also value the ability to follow structured paths from arrival to departure. These elements often contribute to more pleasant airport experiences.

As CDG welcomes travellers from many regions, clarity becomes even more essential. Visitors may be less familiar with local naming systems and may rely heavily on intuitive signage. A refined structure may create a stronger sense of orientation, especially for those passing through during complex itineraries.

A Connected Future with New Rail Access

The renaming effort is aligned with the opening of the CDG Express link. This new rail connection will offer fast access between central Paris and the airport. It is positioned as a premium service designed for quick transfers. The rail line is scheduled to open before the full terminal renaming rollout.

The coordinated timing allows the airport to introduce both improvements within a close period. Travellers moving through Paris may therefore experience a more seamless gateway between the city and the airport. The joint upgrades will aim to strengthen the overall flow for visitors relying on rapid connections.

While the airport has been recognised for strong performance in past rankings, the need for clearer navigation has remained a recurring theme. International travellers and transit passengers have expressed difficulty understanding the former structure. The updated system intends to resolve these concerns through a simpler and more universal format.

The combined efforts reflect a large airport adapting to traveller needs. The upcoming years will involve extensive preparation, but the final outcome may offer a more accessible environment for tourists and passengers worldwide.

Image Source: AI