A controversy has erupted in France after photos of Muslims praying in unison at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris emerged on social media, followed by a statement by Augustin de Romanet, the CEO of Aeroports de Paris (ADP), which operates the airport, describing the incident as “regrettable.”
Moreover, French Transport Minister Clement Beaune tweeted that airport authorities promised “firmness” in handling the situation.
The images shared widely on social media, showed dozens of travellers praying in the departures hall ahead of a flight to Jordan. This incident comes at a time when tensions in France are heightened due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
France has significant Muslim and Jewish communities, making this incident particularly sensitive. In a response to the photos, Transport Minister Clement Beaune tweeted that airport authorities were committed to implementing rules and promised “firmness” in handling the situation.
The group prayer, involving approximately 30 travellers, took place in terminal 2B of Charles de Gaulle, the largest airport in France. It lasted around 10 minutes.
Augustin de Romanet, the CEO of Aeroports de Paris (ADP), which operates the airport, described the incident as “regrettable.” He emphasised the existence of dedicated places of worship at the airport and noted that border police had been instructed to prohibit such activities and increase vigilance.
