Should You Attend the International Paris Airshow and What You Should Know?

There are so many events out there in the aviation and aerospace world, and deciding which one to attend can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve decided to review the events we’ve experienced so far, starting with the International Paris Airshow.

While it's important to recognize that no large event can please everyone, the Paris Airshow has certain strengths that make it a must-attend event for both exhibitors and visitors.

Source: DefenceTurkey.com

The International Paris Airshow is one of the most anticipated events in the aviation and aerospace industry. But with so many aviation expos, airshows, and events across the world, why should you prioritize attending this one? And what should you keep in mind as you plan your visit?

The Importance of Attending the Paris Airshow

When it comes to major industry gatherings, the International Paris Airshow stands out for its scale, innovation, and the sheer number of players it attracts. From aerospace giants to smaller, emerging companies, the Paris Airshow offers a wealth of opportunities for business and networking.

However, attending such an event requires significant planning—not just for exhibitors but also for visitors. The logistics of flights, accommodation, visas, and navigating the event itself can feel overwhelming. Plus, there are countless aviation events throughout the year. With tight budgets, companies often need to choose where to focus their resources based on their objectives, whether it's sales opportunities, networking, or brand exposure.

The challenge at large airshows are that while there’s great potential for making new connections, it’s also hit or miss—especially if you're attending solely for sales or business development purposes. Despite the uncertainty, there’s no question that Paris offers a standout opportunity for anyone looking to expand their network and increase visibility in the industry.

What to Expect in Terms of Logistics

While the Paris Airshow is well-organized, the busy nature of the event can present a few hurdles for attendees. One of the biggest challenges is getting to and from the venue. June, the month of the event, is also peak tourism season in Paris, so expect crowded airports and transportation hubs. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport can get particularly busy, and long queues are almost guaranteed—especially for arrival and departure. Pro tip: don’t carry a heavy backpack to survive the queues!

Traffic is another issue you cannot avoid at such large-scale events. Even if your accommodation is relatively close to the venue, the traffic around Paris during the event can be frustrating. If you plan to leave 30 minutes before and expect to arrive at 9 a.m., don’t count on it! As you get closer to the venue, traffic will only get heavier. In some cases, you might even need to get out of your vehicle (taxi, for instance) and walk. That’s why the organizers suggest using public transportation, but regardless, you can’t escape the walking. This isn’t ideal for anyone—especially those in heels or carrying heavy luggage.

Once you arrive at the airshow, there’s a baggage drop-off service near the entrance, which can help lighten your load before you dive into the show.

The traffic situation doesn’t improve after the event either. Finding a taxi can be a challenge, and you might end up waiting around the venue until the traffic eases. Unfortunately, there aren’t many restaurant options around the venue, so you’ll likely be stuck with limited food choices.

What’s So Special About Paris Airshow?

First, despite its vast scale, the event is surprisingly compact. Once you get the hang of the venue layout, it becomes easier to navigate and locate the companies you’re targeting. For visitors, this is a big plus—you'll find that you can easily identify and connect with the businesses that matter most to you. The map of the venue is simple enough to memorize after your first day, and you’ll quickly get the hang of which halls to visit based on your goals.

Another key benefit is the potential for future business prospects. Whether you're attending for networking, sales, or general exploration, you're bound to create meaningful connections that could pay off in the near future.

Food and Seating Challenges

As with most large events, food options at the Paris Airshow are somewhat limited, especially if you don’t have access to the chalets. The food court can get very crowded during lunchtime, and seating is hard to come by. You may end up sitting on the grass or finding a patch of sun. For attendees who don’t have a booth to manage and need a break, designated seating areas with charging stations would be a welcome addition. While some seating areas exist, they are few and far between, making it difficult to recharge and rest during lunch breaks.

While this issue is common at most airshows, the Paris Airshow could improve the attendee experience by adding more seating and charging stations. Sure, every square foot of space at a major event is valuable, but adding value for attendees with quiet spaces could set the Paris Airshow apart from others.

Walking Distance and Accessibility

Another consideration for attendees is the distance between the halls and the outdoor displays. If you’re located in a hall far from the outdoor area or airshows, expect to walk a lot—especially under the Parisian sun. While some visitors are lucky enough to be picked up by a buggy ride, this isn’t always the case, and walking can quickly become tiring.

To improve accessibility, we recommend the organizers consider offering small shuttle services between halls and areas that are far from the outdoor displays. This would make the experience more comfortable, particularly during peak heat hours. We know that this may not be ideal, as it increases the operational expenses, but it would definitely make a huge difference for attendees.

Perhaps there was a shuttle already, and I just didn’t come across it—let me know if that’s the case!

Final Thoughts

Would the Paris Airshow lose anything in terms of attendance or revenue if they don’t address these issues? Probably not—but if they do, it will significantly improve the overall experience for visitors and exhibitors alike. Despite its challenges, the Paris Airshow remains one of the most important events in the aviation and aerospace calendar. The opportunities it provides far outweigh the logistical hurdles, and if you're in the industry, it's an event you shouldn't miss.

Next International Paris Airshow:

Mark your calendars for the next Paris Airshow, taking place from 16-22 June 2025 at Le Bourget, Paris. For more details, visit: https://www.siae.fr/en/