Crash reignites Paris airport debate

By Tom Mintier
CNN Correspondent

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

MESSAGE BOARD Air safety

Yves Crousquer, director of Aeroports de Paris, said Wednesday 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 the crash.

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

"There are risks involved in living around an 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 accidents.

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."

The two Paris airports are Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, located north of the city and Orly, located south of the city. Crousquer did not say where a third airport might be built.

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