Air France Resumes Non-Stop Paris-Manila Flights After 20 Years
Manila: Air France has revived its direct flight service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after a 20-year hiatus. The airline’s return to the Philippine capital took place on December 8, 2024, marking a significant expansion of its Asian network. This launch coincides with the French embassy’s growing presence in the Philippines, having recently expanded diplomatic services in both Manila and Cebu.
On December 9, 2024, France also celebrated the inauguration of its new embassy in Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2. This milestone highlights France’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic ties with the Philippines. The event was attended by French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, along with Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda, Makati Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, and Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II. The event also saw the presence of EU ambassadors and French Secretary General for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Anne-Marie Descôtes.
In addition, France has been enhancing its visa services in the Philippines. The French Embassy opened a new visa application center in Manila on December 15, 2023, followed by a second center in Cebu City in March 2024, aimed at serving residents of Cebu and nearby provinces.
Paris-Manila Flight Details:
The first Air France flight, operated by an Airbus A350-900, took off from Paris on December 7, 2024, and arrived in Manila on December 8. Air France will now operate three weekly non-stop flights, with the following schedule:
- AF208: Departs Paris at 11:20 PM (Mon, Wed, Sat), arrives in Manila at 7:30 PM (next day).
- AF209: Departs Manila at 9:50 PM (Tue, Thu, Sun), arrives in Paris at 5:50 AM (next day).
The flight will offer 34 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats.
Connecting Asia and Europe
Air France, in partnership with KLM, offers daily flights to Manila. KLM operates four flights per week from Amsterdam to Manila, providing seamless connections for travelers between Asia and Europe.
Air France also serves several other destinations in Asia, including:
- Tokyo Haneda (up to 15 flights/week)
- Osaka (3 flights/week)
- Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul (7 flights/week each)
- Bangkok (13 flights/week)
- Singapore (10 flights/week)
- Ho Chi Minh City (3 flights/week)
Manila, known for its blend of history and modernity, attracts visitors with its colonial landmarks, such as Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, as well as its vibrant culinary scene and stunning beaches. With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines offers travelers unparalleled natural beauty.
