New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has confirmed that Air France is reinstating its non-stop service between Manila and Paris starting 19 October, restoring a direct European connection from the Philippines in time for holiday demand.
The announcement follows a temporary seasonal suspension of the route, which the French flag carrier originally launched in December 2024 before pausing operations in May this year.
Air France will operate the route three times a week using its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Designed for long-haul comfort, the aircraft accommodates 324 passengers, offering 34 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 266 in Economy cabin seating.
The non-stop service provides a significantly faster connection between Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Air France’s direct route enables travellers to reach the French capital in approximately 13 hours, compared to connecting flights that typically take between 17 and 20 hours.
“The return of the service gives passengers a direct connection between NAIA and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, making travel between the Philippines and France more convenient while also providing another non-stop link to Europe ahead of the holiday season,” NNIC stated.
According to Air France’s website, single economy fares for the route start at base rates of approximately $418 (£318 / P26,200), whilst business class tickets can reach up to $2,761 (£2,100 / P173,000).
Updated Timetable and NAIA Network Expansion
Air France’s initial schedules reflect minor operational timing adjustments across October before settling into its standard winter timetable.
Outbound flights from Paris (AF248) on 19 and 21 October are scheduled to depart at 23:20 local time, arriving in Manila at 18:45 the following day. The corresponding return flights from Manila to Paris (AF249) depart at 20:55, landing at 05:50.
For the departure on 24 October, the flight leaves Manila at 21:40 and touches down in Paris at 05:35. From 27 October through to 25 March 2027, the regular timetable takes effect: flight AF208 leaves Paris at 23:20 to reach Manila at 19:40, while return flight AF209 departs Manila at 21:45, arriving in Paris at 06:00.
The return of Air France is part of a broader expansion of international services at Manila’s primary gateway. Riyadh Air introduced direct services between Manila and Riyadh on 9 September, while Chinese carrier Air Changan is currently operating charter flights to Yichang until 22 October to encourage trade and tourism.
Looking further ahead, American carrier Delta Air Lines plans to return to Manila with direct trips to Los Angeles from 28 March 2027, and Philippine Airlines intends to launch services to Delhi and Mumbai in December, pending regulatory approval from Indian authorities.
These route additions coincide with a major infrastructure upgrade at the capital’s airport. Operator NNIC is undertaking a £2.3 billion (P170.6-billion) rehabilitation project designed to expand passenger capacity from 35 million to 62 million annually.
