According to a new analysis ofAirHelpthe company that helps passengers obtain compensation for flight disruptions, Paris-CDG ranks among the international airports where the risk of missing a connection is highest, with a score of 4.36 out of 10, placing it 15th globally out of 196 airports analysed. Beauvais-Tillé Airport is ranked 18th, with a score of 4.44, while Paris Orly is in 63rd position, with a score of 5.59 out of 10.
The recommended connection time at CDG is 60 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. However, data collected by AirHelp suggests that these allowances prove insufficient in practice, particularly during peak seasons. This finding also applies to Beauvais-Tillé and Orly airports, where the recommended connection times (between 35 and 40 minutes for domestic flights, and up to 90 minutes for international ones) also seem insufficient during busy periods.
Nevertheless, the Beauvais result can be called into question, as the platform primarily handles point-to-point traffic.
AirHelp's study identifies large international airports as potential "logistical black holes", particularly when they concentrate a high volume of passengers, multiple terminals, additional checks or intense international transfers. Considering only European airports, other major hubs show poor performance in the connecting flights segment.
This is the case of Amsterdam-Schiphol, in 16th position in this ranking with a score of 4.38 out of 10, Madrid-Barajas (10th, 4.23/10), and Munich (14th, 4.33/10). Worse than Paris, we find Lisbon (26th, 4.64/10) and London-Heathrow (28th, 4.69/10), perfect candidates for those who want to miss their connecting flight. Among the major airports, Frankfurt is one of the few to ensure a successful connection, with the hub ranking 3rd with a score of 4.05/10.
Faced with major international hubs, the study reveals that French regional airports demonstrate greater efficiency. This is the case for airports such as Toulouse-Blagnac (8.28/10), Bordeaux-Mérignac (8.05/10), EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (7.92/10), Nantes-Atlantique (7.69/10) and Nice-Côte d’Azur (7.28/10). Meanwhile, Marseille with a score of 6.74/10 and Lyon Saint-Exupéry (6.10/10) are in the middle. Nevertheless, French regional airports prove that theoretical connection time is not the only determining factor. Airport size, the distance between gates, the fluidity of checks and seasonal saturation also play an essential role.
To carry out this study, 196 international airports were analysed. The criteria for ranking the airports are based on the poorest handling of connections and, consequently, on the airports that record the most missed connecting flights. The "Total Connections Rank" column indicates the position of airports based on the total number of connections offered to their passengers, with Paris Charles de Gaulle being the third busiest airport in the world in terms of connection volume offered.
Here's some advice for travelling smoothly with connections: * **Book direct flights where possible:** This is the simplest way to avoid connection issues. * **Allow ample connection time:** Aim for at least two hours between flights, especially for international travel or if you're changing airlines. This gives you buffer time for delays, walking to your next gate, and potential security checks. * **Choose airlines within the same alliance:** If you're flying with multiple airlines, sticking to ones within the same airline alliance (e.g., Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam) can make connections smoother, as they often have agreements for baggage handling and can assist you more easily if there are issues. * **Keep your onward boarding pass handy:** Have your next boarding pass accessible. If you've booked separate tickets, you might need to re-check in. * **Know your gate number in advance:** Upon arrival, check the departure boards immediately for your next gate number. Gates can sometimes change. * **Pack essentials in your hand luggage:** Always pack valuables, medications, a change of clothes, and documents in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost. * **Research your layover airport:** If you have a significant layover, familiarise yourself with the airport's layout, facilities, and any transit requirements. * **Be aware of visa and entry requirements:** Ensure you have the necessary visas or documentation for any country you'll be transiting through, especially if you need to leave the airport. * **Stay informed about flight status:** Use airline apps or flight tracking websites to monitor your inbound flight's status and potential delays. * **Have contact information for your airlines:** Keep the contact numbers for your airlines readily available in case of disruptions. * **Don't overpack:** Travelling with less luggage makes navigating airports and connections much easier.
In this context, AirHelp recommends prioritising operational safety over apparent speed. Avoiding overly short connections in large airports, allowing for extra time during peak season, or opting for wider connections, even if the total journey is longer, can be key decisions to prevent travellers from missing their onward flights. Furthermore, consulting the historical punctuality of the airport and the airline you are travelling with can serve as a useful indicator for planning a trip with as few unpleasant surprises as possible.
"Many passengers assume that if a connection appears available in the booking system, it will be easy to make, but operational reality shows that this is not always the case, particularly at large airports," recalls Eric Napoli, Legal Manager at AirHelp, who also reminds passengers that they are protected in the event of a missed connection.
