FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.3 7.4
On-Time Performance 8.1 7.2
Passenger Experience 8.2 7.3
Facilities & Comfort 8.6 7.8
Lounge Score 8.8 8.2
City Sydney Paris
Country Australia France
Terminals 3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) 3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3)
Annual passengers 44M+ 67M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy SYD — Sydney CDG — Paris
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Sydney, Australia · SYD · #1 in this comparison

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) · 44M+ passengers/year

8.3 / 10

How good is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores 8.3/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.1), passenger experience (8.2), and facilities (8.6). Lounge quality rates 8.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Sydney SYD is rated 8.3/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.8/10. International flights use Terminal 1 — Qantas First Lounge is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/sydney-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review.

FlightLogic Score 8.3 Excellent
On-time 8.1 Departure reliability
Experience 8.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.6 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.8 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.1
Passenger Experience
8.2
Facilities & Comfort
8.6
Lounge score 8.8/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 handles all international traffic — Qantas First Lounge and Business Lounge are flagship products
  • Efficient customs and biosecurity — allow time for arrival processing on inbound UK flights
  • Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T1→T2/T3) with re-security
  • Strong Qantas and Oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings via Singapore or direct

Overview

Australia's primary international gateway — Qantas First Lounge and Oneworld partners in Terminal 1 for long-haul arrivals.

Terminal 1 international

All international arrivals and departures use Terminal 1. Qantas operates separate First and Business lounges with Neil Perry dining in the First Lounge.

Oneworld partners use Qantas lounges or the shared Oneworld lounge depending on tier and operating carrier.

Paris, France · CDG · #2 in this comparison

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3) · 67M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.2/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Paris CDG is rated 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.2/10. Air France dominates Terminal 2 with extensive Business and La Première lounges. Schengen and non-Schengen transfers may require immigration — allow 90+ minutes for connections. UK261 does not apply; EU261 may apply on EU departures.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.2 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.2/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 is the main hub — sub-terminals 2E/2F for long-haul, 2G for Schengen regional
  • Air France La Première and Business lounges among Europe's largest airline clubs
  • CDGVAL automated train links T1, T2, and T3 landside — not all T2 sub-terminals connect airside
  • Common UK connection point for Africa, Indian Ocean, and French overseas territories

Overview

Air France and SkyTeam mega-hub — sprawling terminal 2 complex with strong premium lounges but connection walks can be long.

Terminal 2 and Air France lounges

Air France operates multiple lounges across Terminal 2E and 2F — the Business lounge near Hall L in 2E is the main long-haul hub. La Première has a private salon for first class passengers.

SkyTeam elite and business class passengers access AF lounges on qualifying itineraries. Priority Pass options exist but are limited compared to airline clubs.

FAQ

Which is better, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.

Which has better lounges, SYD or CDG?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher for lounges at 8.8/10, versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8.2/10.

Which airport is more on-time, SYD or CDG?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) has stronger on-time performance at 8.1/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.2/10.