Concorde crash gives new momentum to building third Paris airport

PARIS (CNN) -- The director of Paris Airports Authority said Wednesday the crash of an Air France Concorde jet was giving new momentum to a proposal to build a third Paris airport.

Yves Crousquer, director of Aeroports de Paris, said building another airport was being considered because of the possibility of mechanical failure with aircraft. Air France and French Aviation Administration officials said initial indications are that engine failure caused Tuesday's crash.

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The plane smashed into a hotel outside Paris minutes after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle airport on Tuesday, killing all 109 people on board and four on the ground.

Crousquer said the crash would likely result in new consideration of the idea of a third airport.

"There are risks involved in living around airport area," said Crousquer. "You take a risk every day driving in your car."

He said the area around Charles de Gaulle airport, which was opened after World War II, had been developed in recent years. He said the authority had continued to buy land around the airport in order to reduce the risk of accident.

Crousquer said there were currently no plans to move the village of Gonesse, where the Concorde crashed into the restaurant of a hotel.

Asked if he wanted Concordes to continue to land at the Paris airports, Crousquer said, "I would rather not comment on that." Pressed on whether he had an opinion, Crousquer said, "I do, but I would rather keep it to myself."

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Paris Airports Authority
CDC Travelers' Health: Western Europe
U.S. Consular Information Sheet: France and Monaco

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