In a significant development for travelers and businesses alike, direct flights between Manila and Paris will be reinstated on December 8, 2024. This announcement was made by French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, at a press briefing in Malacañang Palace, accompanied by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The resumption of this route marks the first direct connection between the Philippines and France in 20 years and between the Philippines and the European Union in five years.
Fontanel expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming flights, emphasizing their importance for both tourism and trade.
“It means that the reopening of a direct flight between the Philippines and Europe has been eagerly awaited and I’m particularly proud and happy that it is with Air France and a direct connection, Paris-Manila flight,” she said.
The French Ambassador also highlighted Air France’s plans to increase flights between the two regions by 4% from 2024 to 2042, a move that is expected to further enhance connectivity.
Boosting Tourism and Trade Relations
The new flights are poised to have a significant impact on tourism and trade. By linking Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris with Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the route will strengthen the position of both France and the Philippines as key gateways to Europe and Southeast Asia. Fontanel noted that this development aligns with ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union.
Femke Kroese, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Air France-KLM, announced that the flights will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This schedule is designed to accommodate increasing demand and provide more convenient travel options for passengers.
NAIA Ready for Increased Traffic
In response to concerns about airport congestion, Transport Secretary Bautista assured that Ninoy Aquino International Airport is equipped to handle the additional passengers. “Of course, you know that NAIA is a very congested airport, and this is the reason why we are privatizing it and making some more improvements. But for these particular flights, NAIA is very much prepared,” Bautista stated.
