Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport official code is ORY, and it is situated approximately 14km / 9 miles south of central Paris. The airport covers a vast area of land, about 3,700 acres or 1,500 hectares in size. The easiest way to get to the airport from Paris city centre is by using the A6 motorway (Autoroute du Sud) or the National Route 7. Orly is positioned near to Antony, Athis-Mons, Massy and Vigneux-Sur-Seine.

Orly has two terminal buildings (West and South), which are linked by a complimentary shuttle train. It used to be Paris’ main airport before Charles de Gaulle was built. Most of the international air traffic moved to this larger airport. Regardless of this fact, Orly is still one of the busiest airports in France for domestic traffic. It is rated as the second busiest airport overall, in terms of departing passengers in France. Each year, Orly serves more than 25 million passengers. It is at a more convenient location than Charles de Gaulle, especially if you are already on the Left Bank of Paris.

The authority of Aéroports de Paris is responsible for the management, as well as Charles de Gaulle, Le Bourget and some of Paris’ smaller airports. Airlines have flights to cities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean. Airlines departing from the South Terminal are mainly long-distance flights, while from the West Terminal, mainly flights with shorter distances. Some of the airlines in operation include Air Europa, Air France, Deutsche Lufthanse, American Airlines Cargo, Egyptair and British Airways.

Orly was first opened in 1932 with the original name of Villeneuve-Orly. It was built as a secondary airport to Le Bourget.

During the Second World War, the airport received much damage to it’s runways and buildings due to bombings by The Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force. In August 1944, the airport was completely repaired by the U.S. Air Force and was then used as tactical airfield A-47. P-47 ‘Thunderbolts’ were flown by the 50th Fighter Group until September. It was then used by liaison squadrons until October 1945.

The United States Army Air Force primarily used the airport until March 1947. In January 1948, the airport was commercially re-established to serve the city of Paris. Control of the airport was returned to the French Government.

Where the airport tarmac is today, used to be grazing for sheep back in the 1930’s! The National Route 7 to the airport was built in 1938. Today, there are 220 check-in desks, 72 gates and 65 air bridges.

The airport and parking areas are well equipped for disabled passengers. Extra assistance for handicapped persons is offered by the welcome desks in both terminals. There is an art gallery on the 4th floor of the South Terminal, and on the 2nd floor (Mezzanine) in the West Terminal for visitor’s perusal. As in all major airports, Orly has extensive shopping opportunities, restaurant facilities and other areas of entertainment for adults and children.

A fully equipped business centre is available in Orly West, and there are banks and many ATMs situated throughout the terminal building. Also car hire services delivered by Hertz Orly are available.

Orly is the ideal arrival location for the city of Paris, and the many outstanding attractions that can be enjoyed in the area.

Please find below a selection of Airlines, Destination and approx flight times.

Air France, easyJet and Iberia are the busiest airlines companies that fly and cover the majority of the destinations Air France is the most frequent with around 1,258 flights a week out of a total of 3060. Of all the destinations from Orly, Air France covers 41%. Blagnac, Côte d'Azur International, Marseille Provence, Mérignac, Montpellier Méditerranée and Barajas being the most frequent destinations.

You can see below a selection of nonstop flights covered with approximate times

If you require a hire car when arriving you will find a good selection of popular companies situated in the Arrivals lounge or close by. Please be sure to bring a valid driving license if you intend to hire a vehicle. With so much choice of car hire Orly it may be wise to book online before you arrive as there is limited choice of vehicles at certain times of the year.