DALLAS — This winter, Air France (AF) will extend its presence in Asia by introducing a new nonstop route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), in the capital of the Philippines.

Starting December 7, 2024, the airline will operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using its Airbus A350-900 fleet. This aircraft offers 34 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy class seats.

Flight AF208 will depart CDG at 11:20 PM and arrive in MNL the following day at 7:30 PM. The return flight, AF209, will leave MNL at 9:50 PM and arrive at CDG the next morning at 5:50 AM. The schedule is still pending approval from the authorities.

Air France last operated nonstop flights to the Philippines in 2004 before ceasing the service after its merger with KLM (KL), with which operates four weekly flights from Amsterdam to Manila, offering a combined daily service to the Philippines’ capital, ensuring consistent and convenient travel options for passengers.

Beyond Manila, the French flag carrier says it will continue serving other major Asian destinations this winter, including Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Manila route is one of five new destinations AF is launching for the winter 2024-2025 season, alongside Salvador de Bahia (Brazil), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Malé (Maldives), and Kiruna (Sweden).