Air France Finally Returns to Manila After 20 Years

After a two-decade hiatus, Air France has finally made a triumphant return to the Philippine skies. The inaugural flight from Manila to Paris took off last 8 Dec 2024, marking a significant milestone in the aviation and tourism sectors for both countries.

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A boost for Philippine tourism

Image credit: Department of Tourism

The resumption of direct flights between Manila and Paris is a major win for the Philippine tourism industry. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Francisco, France has consistently been a top source market for tourists visiting the Philippines, with over 61,000 French nationals visiting the country in 2023 alone.

Now, with the returning route, these numbers are only expected to increase significantly.

Strengthening bilateral ties

Apart from boosting the Philippine tourism industry, the re-establishment of the Manila-Paris route also opened doors to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and France. French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel emphasised this point, saying, "Seeing from my perspective as Ambassador, it's a milestone in the strengthening of our bilateral relationship. We aim to increase our interactions, and we are already working on this."

Enhanced connectivity and convenience from Manila to Paris and vice versa

The new direct flights between Manila and Paris offer a plethora of advantages for travellers, some including:

• Reduced travel time: The new route significantly cuts down travel time, making it more convenient for both Filipino and French travellers.

• Seamless travel experience: Direct flights eliminate the need for layovers, guaranteeing passengers a smoother and more comfortable journey.

• Economic opportunities: The increased connectivity will boost trade and investment between the two countries.

A bright future ahead for Philippine aviation

The return of Air France to the Philippines is a testament to the growing importance of the country positioning as a regional and global hub. It signals a new era of growth and prosperity for the Philippine aviation industry. As the country continues to invest in its infrastructure and improve a myriad of tourism offerings, it is poised to become a top destination for travellers from all around the world.

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Air France offers three weekly flights between Manila and Paris. Outbound flights are designated as AF209, departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9.50pm. These flights should arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport at 5.50am the following day. Meanwhile, return flights designated at AF208 depart from Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 11.20pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, landing at NAIA Terminal 3 at 7.30pm the same day.

Featured image credit: Department of Tourism