Air France (AF) has announced adjustments to its service between France and the Philippines, confirming that the Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Manila (MNL) route will be converted to a seasonal operation starting in 2026. Based on the airline’s latest schedule update, the SkyTeam member will temporarily suspend its three-times-weekly nonstop flights during the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2026.
According to the flight schedule filed, Air France will not operate the Paris–Manila service between 04 May 2026 and 12 October 2026, based on Paris departure dates. Outside of this period, the route is expected to continue operating as scheduled, reflecting a shift toward aligning capacity with seasonal demand patterns rather than maintaining year-round service.
When in operation, the route is served by the Airbus A350-900, one of the airline’s flagship long-haul aircraft. The typical schedule shows flight AF224 departing Paris Charles de Gaulle at 2320H and arriving in Manila at 1845H the following day. The return flight, AF223, departs Manila at 2055H and arrives back in Paris at 0550H the next day. Air France deploys the A350-900 in a multi-class configuration, underscoring the importance of the route despite its upcoming seasonal status.
Post-Pandemic Return to Manila
Air France’s Manila service carries particular significance as it marked the airline’s return to the Philippine capital after the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global aviation. The carrier resumed nonstop flights between Paris and Manila in October 2022, restoring a direct air link that had been absent during much of the pandemic period. The relaunch was initially welcomed by both leisure and business travelers, as well as by the Filipino community in Europe, offering a convenient nonstop option between the two countries.
Since its post-pandemic restart, the route has been operated three times weekly, positioning Air France as one of the few European network carriers offering direct service to Manila. The flights also strengthened connectivity via Paris Charles de Gaulle, one of Europe’s largest hubs, allowing passengers from the Philippines to connect seamlessly to destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America.
Strategic and Seasonal Considerations
The decision to convert the Paris–Manila route into a seasonal service appears to reflect broader industry trends. Airlines worldwide continue to fine-tune their networks in response to fluctuating travel demand, aircraft availability, and operational costs. Northern summer is traditionally a peak season for transatlantic and intra-European travel, and redeploying widebody aircraft to higher-demand routes during this period is a common strategy among long-haul carriers.
For travelers between France and the Philippines, the seasonal suspension may mean fewer nonstop options during mid-2026, potentially increasing reliance on connecting flights via other European or Asian hubs. However, Air France’s move does not signal a complete withdrawal from the Philippine market, but rather a capacity adjustment aligned with seasonal traffic flows.