Air France will commence direct flights between Manila, and its global hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle starting Dec. 7, 2024, marking the resumption of a direct air link between the two countries after a 20-year hiatus.
According to Air France, the airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, utilizing an Airbus A350-900 with a seating capacity of 324 passengers.
The new route will be Air France's first direct service to the Philippines in two decades and the first direct link between the Philippines and the European Union in five years.
The absence of a direct flight has posed challenges for travelers, who previously had to endure long layovers and connecting flights, adding significant travel time and inconvenience.
The Airbus A350-900 has been deployed on this route, featuring 34 seats in Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 266 in Economy class.
Flight AF208 will depart Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 11:20 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Manila at 7:30 PM the following day.
The return flight, AF209, will leave Manila at 9:50 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, arriving in Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 5:50 AM the next day.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to boost tourism and business travel between France and the Philippines.