Paris Joins London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Rome in Major Airport Overhaul to Simplify Passenger Experience as Charles de Gaulle to Introduce New Terminal Names and Streamlined Navigation

Published on December 12, 2025

Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport is set to follow in the footsteps of major European airports like London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Rome Fiumicino with a major overhaul designed to simplify passenger navigation. In 2027, CDG will introduce a new terminal naming system aimed at improving wayfinding and enhancing the overall travel experience for international visitors. This transformation will reshape how travelers move through the busy hub, making it easier for passengers to navigate through Europe’s largest airport.

A Simplified Terminal Naming System for a Smoother Journey

Starting in March 2027, Paris-Charles de Gaulle will introduce a new, simplified terminal numbering system. Instead of the current system that combines letters and numbers—like “2E”—each terminal will be numbered sequentially from Terminal 1 to Terminal 7. This change will reduce confusion, helping international travelers and connecting passengers find their way more easily.

This new structure will also be reflected in departure lounges, which will now only feature letters once travelers enter the secure zone, offering a more intuitive system once inside the airport. CDG, being a major European transit hub, sees a significant number of passengers transferring between flights, so this initiative will help streamline the entire process and reduce the stress of navigating such a large facility.

Enhanced Parking and Signage Across CDG for European Travelers

In addition to the new terminal numbering, CDG will align its parking areas with the same numbering system. Each parking facility will be linked directly to its corresponding terminal number, making it easier for travelers to locate their vehicles or meeting points after arriving.

The changes won’t stop there. In the lead-up to the transition, thousands of signs across the airport will be replaced. Over 3,000 terminal signs, 600 parking signs, and 250 roadway signs will be updated to align with the new structure. This overhaul ensures that passengers experience a uniform, easy-to-follow system across all areas of the airport.

A Year of Preparation: Airlines and Staff Coordinating the Change

To ensure the new system is fully integrated before its official launch in 2027, airlines will begin adopting the new terminal names as early as March 2026. This timeline is crucial because many airlines sell tickets up to a year in advance, and passengers booking long-term trips will begin encountering the updated names ahead of the official switch.

The scale of the project requires careful coordination across the airport’s vast infrastructure, which includes approximately 90,000 staff members and over 900 companies operating within the airport. CDG’s extensive team will work together to update everything from internal systems to physical signage to ensure a smooth transition for travelers.

Traveler Experience: A More Intuitive and Accessible Airport

Clear and consistent signage is critical for large airports like Paris-Charles de Gaulle, where millions of international travelers pass through every year. By simplifying the terminal naming system and updating the layout, CDG is working to eliminate confusion and reduce travel stress for visitors, especially those who are not familiar with the airport’s current structure.

International travelers, particularly those connecting between flights, will benefit from a system that is easier to navigate, with a more intuitive flow from one terminal to another. This update is in line with broader trends across major European airports, where clarity and simplicity have become top priorities for improving the overall passenger experience.

Coordinated Upgrades: CDG Express Rail Link to Complement the New System

One of the most exciting additions to the Paris-Charles de Gaulle overhaul is the opening of the CDG Express rail line, set to connect central Paris with the airport. This new rail link will offer a faster, more efficient connection for travelers coming to and from the airport. Scheduled to open before the full terminal renaming in 2027, the CDG Express will provide a premium service designed to reduce travel time and create a more seamless gateway between Paris and its international airport.

The coordinated timing of the terminal renaming and the CDG Express rail link ensures that travelers will experience a smoother, more streamlined journey both to and through the airport. Together, these upgrades are expected to make CDG a more accessible and efficient transit hub, cementing its status as one of Europe’s leading airports.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle: Setting the Standard for European Airports

With this major overhaul, Paris-Charles de Gaulle joins other European airports, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Rome Fiumicino, in its effort to improve the passenger experience. These upgrades reflect a larger trend across Europe, where airports are modernizing and simplifying their systems to meet the growing demands of international and transit travelers.

While the changes at CDG will require a significant amount of preparation, the final result promises to offer a smoother and more enjoyable experience for travelers. With clear signage, simplified terminal layouts, and faster rail connections, Paris-Charles de Gaulle is poised to become an even more seamless gateway to Europe and beyond.