Air France Debuts Nonstop Phoenix to Paris Route Ahead of 2024 Summer Olympics
In an exciting development for travelers and the aviation industry, Air France has announced the launch of its inaugural nonstop service connecting Phoenix, Arizona, with Paris, France. This historic move marks the first time Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will offer direct flights to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport, establishing a new gateway between the United States and Europe.
Scheduled to commence on May 23, the service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—perfectly timed to facilitate travel for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.
The flight itinerary is meticulously planned for optimal convenience; departures from Paris are set for 10:10 a.m. local time, arriving in Phoenix at 12:10 p.m. local time. The return journey from Phoenix is scheduled at 2:10 p.m. local time, landing in Paris at 9:15 a.m. the following day.
The flights are expected to last around 10 hours and 5 minutes to Paris, and approximately 11 hours on the return leg. Introductory fares for round-trip flights have been announced, starting at $1,655 for economy class and $5,460 for business class, offering a range of options for travelers.
Air France will deploy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for these flights, known for its comfort and efficiency. The aircraft boasts 30 lie-flat business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 228 economy class seats. However, it’s noteworthy that these planes will not feature Air France’s latest business class cabin design, which offers enhanced privacy and luxury.
This new direct route is a significant addition to Phoenix’s international flight options, joining existing services to London and Frankfurt, and symbolizes a growing connectivity between the Arizona capital and major cities in Europe. The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from local officials, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who highlighted the nonstop service to Paris as a significant milestone in enhancing the city’s accessibility and fostering new opportunities for business and tourism.
Further expanding its U.S. network, Air France also revealed plans to resume daily flights to Minneapolis from May 13 and to increase flights to Raleigh-Durham from June 3, reaching a total of 17 U.S. cities served this summer. This expansion underlines Air France’s commitment to connecting American travelers with destinations worldwide, offering more flexibility and choice for both leisure and business travel.
The introduction of the Phoenix to Paris route by Air France not only opens a new chapter in transatlantic travel but also promises to boost economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions. With the excitement of the Summer Olympics on the horizon, this new service is poised to become a key link for sports enthusiasts, tourists, and business travelers alike.