End of Era: Air France Ends Mainline Paris-Orly Service, Consolidates at CDG

‍PARIS — On Saturday, Air France (AF) ended mainline operations at Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), marking a salient transition as it shifts focus to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the city’s main airport. 

Announced in 2023, this move is part of a broader strategy to centralize domestic, overseas, and international connectivity at CDG and redefine the group’s role at Orly.

The final Air France-branded flights at ORY operated on March 28, before the summer 2026 schedule takes effect. AF will continue to serve major French cities such as Nice, Toulouse, and Marseille from CDG rather than ORY. This change simplifies international connections and strengthen links between Paris and regional markets.

Flights from Paris to French overseas territories, including Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, and Saint-Denis, will also operate from CDG, further establishing the airport as the group’s main hub for long-haul and connecting traffic.

Transavia France at ORY

This is not a complete withdrawal by the Air France-KLM Group from ORY, but rather a shift in focus. Transavia France (TO), the group’s low-cost subsidiary, will become the main operator at ORY, serving key domestic routes to Toulouse, Nice, and Marseille, from March 29.

For decades, ORY was central to AF’s domestic network and shuttle services. However, the business model changed significantly after the pandemic. In October 2023, the French flag carrier cited a sustained decline in domestic demand, increased videoconferencing, and stronger rail competition as reasons for consolidating at CDG.

End of an era

Symbolically, ORY was integral to AF’s identity in Paris. The airline established its long-haul base there in 1946 following World War II. The carrier’s withdrawal ends an 80-year period during which the airport was a visible part of the airline’s identity.

Operationally, this shift streamlines AF’s Paris network. Focusing operations at CDG improves domestic connections and long-haul flights, and reduces fragmentation between the city’s two main airports.

Commercially, the move clarifies the group’s division of roles. AF is strengthening its hub and connecting traffic at CDG, while TO expands point-to-point operations at ORY. This approach maintains the group’s presence at ORY without a split mainline model.