Air France resumes direct Paris-Manila flights after two decades

Air France has resumed its direct flights between Paris and Manila after a 20-year hiatus. The first flight on this route from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport took place over the weekend, marking the French airline's return to the Philippines.

According to Air France, the flights will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The planes are configured with 34 business class flatbeds, 24 premium economy seats, and 266 economy class seats, accommodating a total of 324 passengers. Flight AF208 departs Paris at 23:20 local time and arrives in Manila at 19:30 the next day, while the return flight AF209 leaves Manila at 21:50 local time and reaches Paris at 05:50.

The schedule is coordinated with KLM's flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to ensure daily service to Manila. As stated by Air France: "Manila is also a KLM destination, with 4 flights a week from Amsterdam Schiphol airport... By coordinating their respective flight schedules, Air France and KLM ensure a combined daily service to Manila."