WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM MANILA TO PARIS

If you're still unsure about your next international vacay spot, well, this news might give you a fresh idea of which country to add to your travel bucket list. France, through Air France KLM, will be launching a direct flight from Manila to Paris starting Sunday, December 8, 2024.

ICYDK, this direct flight path was 20 years in the making! According to French ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, it was not a launching but rather a "reopening," as 20 years ago Air France operated a direct flight between Manila and Paris.

However, after Air France and KLM merged, KLM took over the Philippine route, maintaining direct flights between Manila and Amsterdam. About five years ago, KLM shifted to a one-stop flight via Taipei, effectively ending the direct connection between Manila and a European Union destination.

Furthermore, the last direct flight to Europe (which was to London), stopped two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"After many negotiations and meetings, it was really a collective team effort with Air France KLM, with the Philippine authorities and within the French embassy and the economic service," ambassador Fontanel told the media in a press briefing.

"We all worked together to try to make it possible in a very short period of time because we have been starting working a few months or even weeks ago on this project. Today, Air France KLM was able to announce officially the reopening of the direct flight," she divulged.

"It will be a direct flight three times a week, so complementing the four times a week flight from KLM because Air France and KLM continue to be partners together of course. So four times a week KLM will continue with one stop flights towards Amsterdam and the three other days Air France will operate the direct flight to Paris," the ambassador added.

Everything You Need To Know About The Direct Flight From Manila To Paris

As of Tuesday, September 10, ticket sales were opened for Air France's new direct route between Manila and Paris, and flights will officially commence three months later in December.

The service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—using the advanced Airbus A350-900 for the 14-hour journey between Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport. This new route complements KLM's four weekly one-stop flights, ensuring daily travel options between the Philippines and Europe.

Here is the rundown of schedules:

Paris to Manila: Air France Flight 208 will depart Paris at 10:20PM and arrive in Manila at 7:30PM the following day.
Manila to Paris: Air France Flight 209 will leave Manila at 9:50PM, landing in Paris at 5:50AM the next day.

The aircraft offers 324 seats, including 34 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 266 in economy.

For complete information on flight schedules, departure times, days of operation, and fares, you can visit Air France's official website.

If you're concerned about the strict visa approval process, don't worry! Ambassador Fontanel mentioned that they are already gearing up for an expected increase in French visa applications in Manila with the introduction of the new direct flights.

ALSO READ:

Here's How To Apply For A Schengen Visa If You're Filipino

These Schengen Countries Have The Lowest Visa Rejection Rates For Filipinos

2024-09-13T08:14:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd