In Paris, welcoming Paralympic athletes changes the situation for good – Libération

At Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle as at Orly, equipment to facilitate access and movement for people with disabilities has been implemented for the global event. They are intended to remain and set an example.

Standing ovation. In the departure lounge of Terminal 2E at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, a round of applause greets the hundred or so Argentinian athletes, dressed in white and azure blue tracksuits. The day after the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, they return home on an Air France flight. This Monday, September 9, no fewer than 5,500 members of the various delegations are expected in the various terminals at Roissy. 800 of them are in wheelchairs, mechanical or electric. Aéroports de Paris (ADP) and Air France, the main carrier, have been preparing to welcome them for several months. Like the athletes at the Olympic Games, their luggage has been checked in in advance and stored under huge marquees temporarily erected for the duration of the event. Many participants came to Paris with two wheelchairs: one for the competition and one for their daily travel. The first is registered in advance. The second will follow them to the plane door and will be waiting for them in the same place after landing.

At first glance, this seems like a normal organization, designed to make travel smoother. In reality, this is a first for Aéroports de Paris and Air France. Matthias Gaytte, re