Air France Resumes Direct Paris-Manila Flights, Expands in Asia-Pacific

Air France is set to reinstate direct flights connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, marking the first non-stop service to the French capital from Manila in twenty years. Scheduled to begin on December 7, 2024, this expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The airline will operate the Manila route three times a week using its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, equipped with 34 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 266 in economy. The 14-hour flight is slated to depart Paris at 23:20 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Manila at 19:30 the next day. Return flights will leave Manila at 21:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, reaching Paris at 05:50 the following morning. These timings are pending government approval.

Air France’s decision to relaunch this route comes as tourist arrivals in the Philippines show recovery from the COVID-19 disruptions, according to data from Statista. From a significant low of 1.48 million visitors in 2020, the numbers climbed to approximately 5.45 million by 2023, driven by the allure of the Philippines’ renowned white-sand beaches and picturesque island destinations.

In addition to Manila, Air France is enhancing its winter schedule to include increased frequencies to several key cities across Asia:

• Up to three weekly flights to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
• As many as 15 weekly flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
• Up to three weekly flights to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
• Up to seven weekly flights each to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).
• Up to 13 weekly flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
• Up to 10 weekly flights to Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN).

This expansion not only reinforces Air France’s commitment to its Asian network but also caters to the growing demand for travel to and from these dynamic regions. By providing direct, non-stop services, the airline aims to offer enhanced convenience and connectivity for travelers, promoting tourism and business exchanges between France and the diverse economies of the Asia-Pacific.