Air France Anticipates Strong Six Nations Travel With New 2026 Connections to London and Cardiff

Published on December 5, 2025

Air France is preparing several 2026 schedule changes that align closely with travel patterns expected during the Six Nations Championship. The carrier plans new daily operations to London Gatwick and temporary services to Cardiff. These additions are positioned to support fans traveling across tournament destinations and tourists seeking reliable links between Paris and the UK.

Six Nations Travel Expected to Drive Strong Passenger Movement

The 2026 Six Nations Championship will take place from early February to mid-March. Matches will be held in London, Rome, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Saint-Denis, and Lille. These cities are set to host visitors following the national teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

The tournament will start with France facing Ireland in Saint-Denis. Other fixtures will unfold across several weekends with only one rest week after the third round. This condensed format is expected to create steady traveler movement as fans follow their teams through the rounds. The spread of match locations suggests frequent transitions between major cities, increasing demand for convenient air travel.

Cardiff, London, and other host cities typically experience noticeable increases in tourist flows during major sporting events. Travelers often plan short breaks around match schedules, combining sports attendance with leisure activities. The 2026 schedule, with matches in multiple UK cities, is expected to reinforce that pattern.

Additional Paris–Cardiff Flights Target Tournament Traffic

Air France will provide twelve dedicated flights between Paris CDG and Cardiff from 13 to 16 February 2026. These short-term services will operate during the period leading into Wales’ home fixture against France on 15 February. This timing is aligned with the travel needs of fans planning brief visits for the match weekend.

The temporary flights aim to offer direct access to Cardiff for supporters who prefer avoiding transfers through other airports. These operations are also expected to benefit international travelers starting their journeys outside Europe but connecting through Paris CDG. The carrier’s hub structure enables onward links, which can support tourism tied to major events.

With Cardiff hosting additional matches in February and March, demand across the tournament period is anticipated to remain strong. Although the added flights focus on a single window, they provide relief during a peak travel moment for fans attending games in Wales.

New Paris–Gatwick Route Adds Another Entry Point for Six Nations Visitors

Daily travel activity related to the Six Nations often extends beyond the host city of each match. Fans travel throughout the UK during the tournament, moving between London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and other venues. Recognizing this, Air France will launch new daily services between Paris CDG and London Gatwick starting 29 March 2026.

The route will offer two flights per day, operated by Airbus A220 aircraft. Departures from Paris will leave at 9:20 and 15:45. Returns from London will depart at 10:30 and 17:10. Arrival timings were structured for efficient onward connections through Paris CDG.

Although the route begins after the tournament concludes, it reflects the broader trend of sustained travel demand between Paris and London. Fans often plan follow-up trips or return visits after major events, and increased connectivity can support this movement. Gatwick also provides efficient rail access into central London, benefiting leisure travelers planning stays around sports venues or major visitor attractions.

The new link will complement the existing Paris–Heathrow services. With both London airports connected to Paris CDG, tourists will gain more flexibility when arranging cross-channel itineraries.

Travel Patterns Across the Tournament Rounds

Round-by-round movement will shape much of the tourism activity surrounding the 2026 Championship. The first weekend includes matches in Saint-Denis, Rome, and London. Travelers may choose multi-city trips to attend consecutive games. The second round shifts focus to Dublin, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, drawing visitors into additional UK and European regions.

Cardiff will again welcome fans for a major match during the second weekend. This event is expected to contribute significantly to travel volumes between Paris and Wales. Visitors moving between London and Cardiff for adjacent matches may rely on multiple transport options, including air travel for longer-distance itineraries.

The third round brings games to London, Cardiff, and Lille. The Lille match places northern France into the travel pattern for international visitors. With Paris CDG acting as a central gateway, many fans will pass through the airport before continuing to their final destinations.

Later rounds include matches in Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome, and Saint-Denis. The diverse spread of host cities ensures recurring traveler movement. Tourism linked to the Six Nations generally includes hotel stays, attraction visits, and short regional excursions, adding more momentum to cross-border travel activity.

Expanded Connectivity Reinforces Travel Options for Fans

Air France’s 2026 additions reflect the long-standing demand for reliable travel during major European sporting events. The Paris–Cardiff special flights focus directly on the mid-February fixture. The Paris–Gatwick route expands access for future travelers and offers more routing options for those planning extended trips around the UK.

These developments strengthen Paris CDG’s role as a transit point for international fans planning multi-city itineraries. With the tournament taking place across seven cities, the ability to connect easily through a major hub is valuable for tourists navigating busy schedules.

Travel Outlook for the 2026 Tournament

The Six Nations Championship remains one of Europe’s most popular annual sporting events. The 2026 edition, with its compressed timeline and broad geographic spread, is expected to generate steady travel movement across all host cities. Air France’s targeted Cardiff flights and expanded London capacity reflect preparations for these patterns.

Tourists traveling for matches often extend their visits beyond game days. The combination of event-driven travel and general leisure demand supports the continued expansion of cross-channel operations. By strengthening routes that link Paris to key UK regions, Air France is positioned to support this surge in movement throughout the tournament period.

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