Air France Returns to Paris-Manila Route After 20 Years

After a two-decade hiatus, Air France has resumed direct flights between Paris and Manila, with the inaugural flight AF802 departing Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on December 8, 2024. The route is expected to boost travel demand by 30% and generate significant revenue from belly cargo services.

Operating three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the Paris-Manila service is flown with the modern Airbus A350-900. This aircraft features 34 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats, offering a comfortable long-haul experience. The inaugural flight, aboard the A350 registered as F-HTYJ, marks Air France’s strategic return to this Southeast Asian destination.

The flight schedule includes a late-night departure from Paris at 11:20 PM and an evening arrival in Manila the next day at 7:30 PM. The return flight departs Manila at 9:50 PM and lands in Paris the following morning at 5:50 AM. This complements KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' existing flights from Amsterdam to Manila, enhancing connectivity between Europe and the Philippines.

Manila, known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” blends historic colonial landmarks such as Fort Santiago with modern urban developments. The city serves as a gateway to the Philippines' 7,000 islands, renowned for pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and the iconic rice terraces. The route is expected to strengthen tourism and business ties, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Air France’s reentry into this market underscores its confidence in the route’s potential. With strategic planning and collaboration within its network, the airline aims to capitalize on the growing demand for travel between Europe and Southeast Asia.