To sum up:
+ Launch Date: Air France will begin direct flights from Manila to Paris on December 8, with the inaugural flight leaving NAIA for Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
+ Aircraft & Pricing: Flights will be on board the Airbus A350-900, offering 324 seats across business, premium economy, and economy classes, with round-trip tickets beginning at $1,258.
+ Visa Demand: The French embassy expects a surge in visa applications following the announcement, marking the first direct connection between Manila and Paris in 20 years.
Metro Manila, Philippines — Whether captivated by the charm of “Emily in Paris” on Netflix or still riding the excitement of the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, December brings the opportunity for Filipinos to experience the City of Light firsthand, with the launch of direct flights from Manila to Paris.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel announced that Air France will mount direct flights between Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) beginning Dec. 8.
“The direct nonstop service between the Philippines and France will significantly boost tourism exchanges between our two countries and, more broadly, with the European Union,” said Fontanel during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The French ambassador said the timing of flights resumption in December is symbolic, coinciding with the festive Christmas season.
“It’s a perfect Christmas present,” Fontanel added.
Air France last operated a direct flight between Manila and Paris two decades ago. As of September, the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country without a direct flight to Paris, said Fontanel.
“There were flights from Europe to the Philippines via other countries, but these stopped during the pandemic. Currently, the only European carrier flying to the Philippines is KLM, but their route from Amsterdam involves a stopover in Taipei. So, it's not a non-stop flight,” Bautista said.
Manila-Paris Maiden Flight
Air France-KLM General Manager Femke Kroese said Air France will be operating the A350-900 Airbus for the Manila-Paris route.
The state-of-the-art aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. It has 324 seats, including 34 in the business cabin, 24 in premium economy, and 266 in the economy section.
The inaugural flight, Air France 209, will leave Manila on Dec. 8 at 9:50 PM.
“As a flagship carrier, Air France is dedicated to promoting France. Our onboard service reflects this commitment, with food and beverage offerings that are essential to the French experience. We serve champagne in all cabins—economy, premium, and business—so passengers can start their journey in style,” said Kroese.
Round-trip tickets are priced at $1,258 or around P73,500 for economy seats.
The French embassy said it expects an increase in French visa applications following the announcement of the direct flights.
“Last year, we issued 37,000 visas in this embassy for France, and we anticipate a rise in applications. We are preparing to handle this increased demand, ensuring that the direct flights are a success,” said Fontanel.
Bautista said NAIA is well-prepared for the non-stop Manila-Paris flights.
"NAIA is always ready to accommodate passengers. Of course, we acknowledge the congestion issues, which is why we are privatizing the airport and implementing improvements," the transportation chief said.
The French government also expressed gratitude to San Miguel Corporation CEO and President Ramon Ang, who is leading NAIA's privatization efforts, for his role in making the direct flights project a reality.
“It’s no coincidence that we are announcing the reopening of this route just days before the airport’s privatization. I sincerely thank Ramon Ang for his invaluable support and wish him success in implementing this significant project for the Philippines,” added Fontanel.