"Delayed Opening Of Paris Airport Terminal Snarls Travel"

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Delayed Opening Of Paris Airport Terminal Snarls Travel
The Associated Press


PARIS (AP)--Air France Group said Tuesday that a last-minute decision to
delay the opening of a new terminal at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport had
caused widespread disruption to travelers.

Just hours before the first flights were due to take off Tuesday, a safety
commission ruled that the necessary security checks at the building hadn't
been completed, and refused to issue a certificate authorizing the opening.

Air France said it was forced to take urgent measures to redirect passengers
to other terminals. In a statement, it accused airport authorities of
"failing to fulfill their responsibilities."

No date was set for the terminal's opening. The delay comes just as the busy
summer tourist season gets underway.

Airport spokesman Jacques Reder told LCI television that a recent wave of
public-sector strikes in France had hampered the delivery of equipment to
the building. He confirmed that some safety checks had yet to be carried
out.

Passengers at Paris' two main airports have already faced massive delays and
cancellations due to walkouts by pilots, air traffic controllers and other
workers protesting government plans to overhaul France's costly retirement
system.

Air France urged airport authorities to take swift action to ensure the
terminal's opening.


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