Air France has officially restarted its Paris to Manila route, marking a return after two decades of absence. On December 8, 2024, Flight AF802 departed Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 11:48 PM local time. It is set to arrive at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) at 6:53 PM local time after a nearly 13-hour journey. This long-awaited connection will now provide passengers with direct flights between the French capital and the Philippines.
The airline had previously announced in September 2024 that it would offer three weekly flights on this route, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. This service is carried out using the Airbus A350-900, which features 34 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats, ensuring a range of options for travelers.
Flight Schedule and Route Details
Passengers on this route can expect a convenient schedule. Flight AF208 departs Paris at 11:20 PM and lands in Manila at 7:30 PM the following evening. For return trips, Flight AF209 leaves Manila at 9:50 PM and arrives in Paris at 5:50 AM the next day.
Air France’s partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, already operates flights to Manila, with four weekly services connecting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the Philippine capital. This new Air France route enhances connectivity between Europe and the Philippines, offering travelers more choices.
Manila, known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” offers visitors a mix of historical and modern attractions. The city’s landmarks, such as Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, stand as reminders of its colonial history, while its vibrant cityscape reflects a blend of tradition and progress. Visitors can enjoy Manila’s rich culinary heritage, which highlights its cultural diversity.
Beyond Manila, the Philippines offers breathtaking natural attractions, from its world-famous beaches to the majestic rice terraces of Banaue. This new route is expected to support tourism and business activities, encouraging closer ties between Europe and the Philippines.
Strategic Expansion Backed by Data
In a report from AviationA2Z, Air France’s decision to relaunch this route is based on detailed analysis of the travel market. In 2023, the Paris-Manila segment accounted for 98,000 passengers, with an average one-way fare of $750. This places it as the third-largest European market for flights to Manila.
The airline’s study also revealed other key travel markets from Manila, including Barcelona, Zurich, Amsterdam, and London, which continue to drive demand. Air France anticipates a 30% increase in passengers for the Paris-Manila route, which is also expected to generate revenue from cargo transported in the aircraft’s belly hold.
Economic and Cultural Opportunities
This route provides Air France with a chance to compete with Gulf carriers, which have traditionally dominated the Europe-Manila segment. The airline projects strong passenger numbers during peak travel periods, such as December and January, when demand for flights between Europe and Southeast Asia typically surges.
By offering competitive fares and targeting traffic from Western Europe and the United Kingdom, Air France aims to establish itself as a key player on this route. The airline sees the Philippines as an attractive destination for European travelers, comparable to popular markets such as Thailand and Vietnam.
