Air France to Launch Manila-Paris Direct Flights This December

Good news for travellers eager to visit Europe: Air France will introduce the Manila-Paris direct flights starting 8 Dec 2024. This marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first direct flight between the Philippines and France in 20 years and the first direct connection between the Philippines and Europe in five years.

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What we know about the Manila-Paris direct flights

The announcement was made by French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Philippine Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista during a press briefing at Malacañan Palace on 10 Sep 2024. Ambassador Fontanel expressed her excitement about the new route, stating, "The reopening of a direct flight between the Philippines and Europe has been eagerly awaited, and I’m particularly proud and happy that it is with Air France and a direct Paris-Manila connection."

This new route is set to operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays — making it more convenient for travellers from both continents. The flights will connect Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris with Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, enhancing travel and trade opportunities between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Air France-KLM’s Southeast Asia and Oceania General Manager, Femke Kroese, also noted that this direct flight is just the beginning. Air France plans to increase its flights between the Philippines and Europe by 4% from 2024 to 2042, further strengthening ties between the regions.

In addition to boosting tourism, this connection is expected to bolster trade and position the Philippines as a gateway to Southeast Asia. As the European Union (EU) resumes negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Philippines, the direct air link will play a vital role in facilitating economic exchanges.

To accommodate the expected influx of travellers, NAIA is undergoing privatisation, with San Miguel Corporation taking over operations on 14 Sep 2024. Secretary Bautista assured that NAIA will be ready to handle the increased passenger traffic, stating, “For these particular flights, NAIA is very much prepared.”

Ambassador Fontanel also acknowledged the impact of the airport’s upcoming privatisation on their decision to reopen the route, saying, “It’s no coincidence that we are announcing the reopening of the line just a few days before the airport’s privatisation.”

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With the Manila-Paris direct flights on the horizon, travellers can now look forward to smoother and more convenient trips between the Philippines and France, offering both business and leisure opportunities.

Featured image credit: Riccardo Bertolo via Canva Pro