Paris Orly International Airport (ORY)

Paris Orly International Airport

Paris 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 Airport is positioned near to Antony, Athis-Mons, Massy and Vigneux-Sur-Seine.

Paris Orly Airport 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 Airport was built. Most of the international air traffic moved to this larger airport. Regardless of this fact, Paris Orly Airport 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 Airport serves more than 25 million passengers. It is at a more convenient location than Charles de Gaulle Airport, especially if you are already on the Left Bank of Paris.

The authority of Aéroports de Paris is responsible for the management of Orly Airport, as well as Charles de Gaulle Airport, Le Bourget Airport and some of Paris’ smaller airports. Airlines from Paris Orly Airport 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 from the airport include Air Europa, Air France, Deutsche Lufthanse, American Airlines Cargo, Egyptair and British Airways.

Paris Orly Airport was first opened in 1932 with the original name of Villeneuve-Orly Airport. 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, Orly Airport was completely repaired by the U.S. Air Force and was then used as tactical airfield A-47. P-47 ‘Thunderbolts’ were flown at the airport 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, Orly 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. At Paris Orly Airport 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, Paris Orly Airport 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 airport building.

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