Wedoany.com Report-Dec.27, Air France has announced the conversion of its nonstop Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Manila (MNL) service into a seasonal route starting in 2026. The airline will suspend operations during the European summer season, from May 4 to October 12, 2026, and maintain the link only during the winter schedules.

During this suspension period, no direct flights will operate between Paris and Manila under the Air France brand. The change effectively ends year-round service on this route.

The Paris-Manila route currently operates three times per week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These flights, scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Paris (with corresponding returns), will continue until early May 2026. They will be removed from the summer timetable and resume with the winter 2026–2027 schedule, likely around late October 2026.

This adjustment follows the route's relaunch on December 8, 2024, marking Air France's return to the Philippine market after a 20-year absence since 2004. The service restored a direct air connection between France and the Philippines, which had not been available under Air France since the airline's merger with KLM. Philippine Airlines previously operated flights from Manila to Paris until 1998.

The decision aligns with industry practices of matching long-haul capacity to seasonal demand patterns. During the Northern Hemisphere summer, higher demand typically occurs on routes from Europe to North America and leisure destinations. By pausing the Manila service in these months, Air France can redeploy its efficient Airbus A350-900 aircraft to routes offering stronger performance.

The A350-900 used on the route features a modern cabin configuration, including 34 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats, providing comfortable options for passengers when the service operates.

Although direct nonstop flights will be unavailable during summer 2026, travelers can still reach Manila through alternative connections. Options include partner hub services via Amsterdam with KLM, or through other SkyTeam members such as Saudia and Vietnam Airlines, as well as various Middle Eastern carriers.

This seasonal approach allows Air France to optimize fleet utilization while preserving connectivity to the Philippines during periods of suitable demand. The route continues to support travel between Europe and Southeast Asia, contributing to business and leisure opportunities in the region.