Airport Operation in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Airport Operation in France industry analysis

France is home to some of Europe’s busiest airports, providing a gateway between major cities like Paris and the rest of the world. Airports play a key role in connecting French individuals and businesses with overseas locations, enabling both tourism and trade activity within France and beyond. The airports’ performance is linked to overall aircraft movements in France, which in turn is linked to trends in tourism and economic activity.
Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 13.8% over the five years through 2025, reaching €6.9 billion. A slump in traffic volumes at French airports spurred a slump in revenue during the pandemic, with income generated from passenger fees and landing fees remaining supressed as restrictions on international travel remained until COVID-19 travel restrictions were completely lifted on August 1 2022. The easing of pandemic-related restrictions spurred an accelerated recovery in aircraft movements and airport fees over the two years through 2023, while the reopening of retail outlets supported renewed growth in income generated from retail concessions. Despite further growth in air traffic volumes and airport fees, revenue remains below pre-pandemic levels in 2025, with passenger demand continuing to be held back by inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, with revenue set to creep upwards by 1.8% in 2025.
Revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.5% over the five years through 2030, reaching €7 billion. Aircraft movements are set to rise in the short term as passenger demand recovers from pandemic-induced lows. More restrictive regulation is expected to weigh on growth in aircraft movements in the medium term as the French government pursues measures to decarbonise the transport sector. This is set to force airports to adapt their operations by integrating intermodal transport solutions as well as investing in electrification.

Trends and Insights

• Amid pandemic challenges, airport revenue faces a steep contraction. Despite recovery efforts, the European airport industry confronts significant revenue decline due to ongoing pandemic challenges and related restrictions.
• Non-aeronautical services revenue compensates for fluctuating performance. Non-aeronautical services, like retail and commercial activities, are vital revenue streams for European airports, ensuring sustainability amid fluctuations in aeronautical services.
• The European airport industry reflects high concentration levels. The European airport industry exhibits high concentration levels, with a few major players dominating the market and influencing industry dynamics.