**A milestone for Paris airport connectivity** The CDG Express, a dedicated rail link connecting Paris Gare de l'Est to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, has reached a major construction milestone. Over the Pentecost weekend (23–25 May), the final 4.5 km of new track between Gare de l'Est and La Plaine–Stade de France were laid, marking the end of seven years of infrastructure work. Nearly 300 operators, supported by Eiffage and Alstom, completed this critical segment. Thomas Allary, director of major projects at SNCF Réseau, described the event as "the birth of the physical line" and "the last major milestone of seven years of work." **Service details and timeline** Commercial service is scheduled to begin on 28 March 2027. Trains will run every 15 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight, with a journey time of 20 minutes between central Paris and Terminal 2 at CDG. The next phase focuses on technical testing and operational ramp-up, with rail installations expected to be ready for circulation in the coming weeks, followed by months of trials before the commercial opening. **Investment and financing** The project, with a total investment of €2.6 billion, is backed by a public consortium including Aéroports de Paris, SNCF Réseau, and Banque des Territoires. A €2.2 billion loan guaranteed by the French state covers most of the cost. Proponents argue that the CDG Express brings Paris in line with other global capitals that already offer fast, direct airport rail links, such as London's Heathrow Express or Hong Kong's Airport Express. **Controversy over pricing and equity** Despite the infrastructure achievement, the CDG Express remains controversial. Critics, including local elected officials and user associations, label it the "train for the rich," arguing that it diverts financial and capacity resources from everyday commuter lines, particularly the RER B. They point to the planned single fare of €25—higher than the initially announced €24 and more than the €14 RER B ticket—as evidence of a premium service aimed at international air passengers rather than local residents. Proponents counter that the project has modernized infrastructure shared with the RER B and other suburban lines, with about €500 million in related upgrades. They also claim the CDG Express will reduce road traffic on the A1 motorway by capturing some car and taxi trips. The fare is positioned between the RER (€14) and a taxi/VTC (€55–70), targeting travelers willing to pay for speed and reliability. However, the ticket will not be integrated into the Navigo pass, reinforcing its premium image. **What this means for ATPL and ATC students** For aviation professionals, the CDG Express represents a tangible improvement in ground access to one of Europe's busiest hubs. Pilots and cabin crew based in Paris or connecting through CDG will benefit from a reliable, fast link to the airport, reducing travel time uncertainty. ATC students should note how such infrastructure projects can influence airport slot management, passenger flow, and overall hub efficiency—factors that directly affect daily operations at major airports.