Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Air France Alters France-Philippines Travel Landscape with Paris-Manila Flights Pausing During Summer 2026, Returning with a Revamped Winter Schedule
Published on
December 26, 2025
Air France has announced that it will transform its Paris-Manila service into a seasonal route starting in 2026, shifting from year-round operations to only operating during the winter months. This strategic decision is driven by the airline’s need to align its flight schedule with seasonal travel demand, allowing it to redeploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft to higher-yield markets during the European summer season. Although direct flights will pause between May and October, passengers can still reach Manila through connecting flights with Air France’s partner airlines, ensuring continued connectivity between France and the Philippines.
In a strategic move aimed at optimizing its operations and aligning with seasonal travel demand, Air France has announced that its Paris-Manila route will be adjusted to a seasonal service beginning in 2026. This shift marks a significant change for the airline, which will suspend the direct flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the European summer season, from May 4 to October 12, 2026.
This decision highlights a broader trend within the airline industry, where carriers are increasingly fine-tuning their schedules to match high-demand periods. The Paris-Manila service, which was relaunched in December 2024 after a 20-year hiatus, will only operate during the winter months going forward. Though the seasonal adjustment may reduce nonstop flight options during the summer, travelers can still reach Manila through connecting flights offered by Air France’s partner airlines.
Paris-Manila Service: A Look Back and a Forward Glance
The Paris-Manila route has been a vital connection between France and the Philippines since it was first launched. After a long absence from the Philippine market, Air France resumed direct flights in December 2024, marking its return after a two-decade gap. This flight offered a much-needed link for passengers traveling between the two countries, particularly benefiting the growing business and leisure travel demand.
The flight currently operates three times a week, utilizing the advanced Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This modern, fuel-efficient aircraft provides passengers with the highest levels of comfort while also supporting the airline’s sustainability efforts. However, the introduction of a seasonal route will see the service pause from May to October, during which time no direct flights will be available between Paris and Manila under the Air France brand.
The Rationale Behind the Seasonal Shift
The decision to make the Paris-Manila service seasonal is a reflection of a shift in how airlines are managing their capacity. According to industry analysts, the summer months in Europe typically see higher demand for flights to North America and leisure destinations, such as the Mediterranean and popular holiday spots. By suspending the Paris-Manila route during the summer, Air France is able to redeploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft to these higher-yield routes, where demand is expected to be stronger.
This seasonal change also comes as a response to evolving travel patterns. As international travel demand fluctuates throughout the year, especially for long-haul flights, airlines like Air France are focusing on aligning their operations with the times of year when specific routes see the most traffic. By pausing the Paris-Manila flights during the summer, Air France can ensure that its resources are being used where they generate the greatest return.
How Will Travelers Be Affected?
Despite the seasonal suspension of the direct Paris-Manila flights, Air France’s partnership with other airlines in the SkyTeam alliance offers several alternatives for travelers. Passengers who wish to travel between France and the Philippines during the summer months will still be able to book flights via connecting hubs, such as Amsterdam with KLM, or through SkyTeam partners like Saudia and Vietnam Airlines. These alternative routings will ensure that passengers can reach their destination with minimal disruption to their travel plans.
The adjustment in the Paris-Manila service also reflects Air France’s ability to adapt to market conditions. As part of the airline’s broader strategy, the seasonal shift helps to maintain its competitive edge in the market while balancing the need for efficiency with customer demand. Though direct flights will not be available during the summer, passengers will still have viable options to reach Manila through alternative hubs, ensuring connectivity remains robust.
France-Philippines Trade and Tourism Connections
The Paris-Manila route has become more than just a flight route for Air France. It plays an integral role in strengthening the ties between France and the Philippines, both in terms of tourism and business relations. The Philippines has long been a growing market for tourism, with many French travelers visiting to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities.
Similarly, French expatriates and business professionals have increased their presence in the Philippines, which has seen significant growth in the tech, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. The direct flight service was crucial in fostering business opportunities and supporting the exchange of talent between the two nations. The seasonal adjustment, while reducing the number of direct flights, does not undermine this growing relationship. In fact, by reallocating resources to higher-demand routes, Air France will be better equipped to serve other burgeoning markets while continuing to support the France-Philippines connection through its seasonal service.
Air France’s Strategic Focus on Sustainability
Along with optimizing its routes to meet demand, Air France is also focusing on sustainability. The airline has been committed to reducing its carbon footprint by utilizing newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350-900. This aircraft is designed to be 25% more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, helping Air France meet its sustainability goals while offering a better travel experience for passengers.
The shift in the Paris-Manila service also supports the airline’s broader sustainability goals by allowing the airline to optimize the use of its aircraft. As the aviation industry continues to face increasing pressure to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly travel options, Air France is positioning itself as a leader in responsible aviation practices. The decision to reassign aircraft based on seasonal demand is a step in the right direction, contributing to the airline’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Air France’s Evolving Approach to Long-Haul Routes
The adjustment of the Paris-Manila service to a seasonal route is part of a larger trend within the airline industry. Airlines are increasingly focusing on optimizing long-haul routes by adjusting their schedules to meet seasonal demand and ensure profitability. For Air France, this approach allows for the redeployment of aircraft to more lucrative markets during peak seasons, all while maintaining the integrity of key international routes.
This trend is particularly notable as airlines begin to shift their focus away from operating year-round services to destinations with more fluctuating demand. Seasonal routes allow airlines to remain agile, reducing operational costs during slower periods while still catering to customer demand during peak travel times.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Air France?
The introduction of a seasonal Paris-Manila service is just one of the many adjustments Air France is making as it navigates the evolving travel landscape. With the continued expansion of new markets and increasing demand for sustainable travel options, the airline will continue to adapt its network to align with both customer preferences and market conditions.
For travelers looking forward to future travel between France and the Philippines, the seasonal shift may be an adjustment, but the ongoing collaboration between Air France and its partner airlines will ensure that there are still plenty of options for seamless connections. As the airline refines its long-haul operations, it will continue to provide passengers with high-quality service, whether they are traveling during peak winter months or taking advantage of the alternative routes available in the summer.
Air France is shifting its Paris-Manila service to a seasonal route starting in 2026 to better align with seasonal demand. The airline will suspend direct flights during the summer months and operate the route only in winter, optimizing aircraft usage for high-demand markets.
Air France’s decision to convert its Paris-Manila route into a seasonal service starting in 2026 reflects the evolving nature of global air travel. The move allows the airline to optimize its fleet for the highest-demand markets during the summer while maintaining the connection between France and the Philippines through alternative routes. As the airline continues to adapt to changing market conditions, this strategic adjustment is expected to strengthen its position in the competitive long-haul travel market while ensuring that passengers can still enjoy a seamless travel experience.
