Paris

Is Paris CDG Airport turbulent?

Paris CDG, Europe's second-busiest airport, faces fog and thunderstorm challenges that can cascade into massive delays. The airport's high traffic volume means any weather disruption ripples across hundreds of flights. Summer thunderstorms have caused complete operational breakdowns, with aircraft diverted across Europe. Winter fog regularly slows operations and extends departure delays.

• Fog delays averaged 75 minutes during severe November 2025 event
• May 2025 thunderstorms forced diversions to five other countries
• CDG is designed for volume, making it vulnerable to weather disruptions

Why do CDG delays spread so quickly?

CDG operates at near-maximum capacity under normal conditions, leaving no buffer for weather delays. When storms or fog reduce runway capacity, the backlog builds rapidly. Europe's interconnected hub network means CDG delays cascade to Heathrow, Schiphol, and Frankfurt within hours. The tight schedule has little flexibility to absorb disruptions.

When is the best time to fly from Paris CDG?

Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of mild weather and moderate traffic. Summer brings thunderstorm risk, though most days are fine. Winter fog peaks in November-December. Early morning departures face less congestion than afternoon flights, improving your chances of an on-time departure.