Air France to Launch Exciting New Route Between London and Paris – Major Boost for UK-France Travel in 2026!

Published on December 8, 2025

Air France has revealed plans to introduce direct flights between London Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airports, starting in the summer 2026. This announcement marks the return of Air France to Gatwick after a hiatus dating back to the mid-1990s. The airline is set to operate two daily flights on this route, aimed at improving connectivity for passengers traveling between the UK and France.

Enhanced Connectivity Through Paris CDG

The new Gatwick-Paris CDG flights will provide an additional option for travelers looking to access Air France’s extensive global network via its Paris hub. By adding this route, Air France seeks to offer better connections for travelers flying from the UK, complementing its existing services to London Heathrow. With six daily flights already operating between Paris and Heathrow, this new service adds more variety for passengers seeking seamless international connections.

Air France’s return to Gatwick will further strengthen its presence in the UK, a market in which the airline already operates flights to six UK airports. The new flights will allow passengers to connect to destinations across the globe with ease, benefiting from Air France’s world-class service and network.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft

The new service will feature Airbus A220 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Flights from Paris CDG to Gatwick will depart at 9:20 AM and 3:45 PM, while return flights from Gatwick will leave at 10:30 AM and 5:10 PM. These schedules are designed to offer flexibility to travelers and to support both business and leisure passengers.

The addition of these flights will not only strengthen Air France’s connectivity between France and the UK but will also provide a competitive edge in the busy London-Paris market, which is a crucial route for both business and tourism.

Reaction from Gatwick and Air France Executives

Jonathan Pollard, the Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, expressed excitement about Air France’s decision to return to the airport. He noted that the new flights would offer passengers more choice for direct travel between London and Paris while providing access to Air France’s global network. This aligns with Gatwick’s ongoing efforts to enhance its airline offerings and expand its route options.

Jérôme Salemi, General Manager for Air France-KLM UK & Ireland, emphasized that the new Gatwick flights were part of a broader strategy to reinforce the airline’s commitment to the UK market. Currently, Air France operates up to 300 flights per week across six UK airports, and this expansion will further solidify its position in the region.

A Look at Gatwick’s Growing Airline Network

The addition of Air France to Gatwick’s lineup comes at a time when the airport is experiencing significant growth. Several other airlines, including Condor, Air Arabia, and Jet2, will also begin operations at Gatwick in 2026, further enhancing its position as a major hub for both domestic and international travel.

This growth is reflective of Gatwick’s continued efforts to broaden its airline and route portfolio, making it a key player in the London aviation market. The new routes are expected to attract more travelers, making Gatwick an even more appealing option for those flying to and from London.

Competition in the London-Paris Air Corridor

The route between London and Paris has long been one of the busiest air corridors in the world, with multiple airlines offering frequent services. While Air France currently provides six daily flights from Paris CDG to London Heathrow, this new Gatwick route will introduce more competition, offering an alternative for passengers who prefer to fly from a different London airport.

Other carriers, including British Airways, also operate on this route, so the introduction of additional flights by Air France aims to give passengers greater flexibility and more options, helping to ensure competitive pricing and service standards.

Air France’s Commitment to Innovation and Growth

Air France’s decision to introduce the new Gatwick to Paris route is part of a broader strategy to grow its network and continue offering passengers top-tier service. With the addition of this route, the airline will strengthen its role as a leading international carrier, offering more direct flights to and from key cities across Europe and beyond.

In addition to the new Gatwick route, Air France is continuing to invest in the enhancement of its aircraft fleet and the introduction of new services. This includes the launch of new La Première cabins and the continued development of its Food & Beverage offerings to ensure that passengers enjoy the best in-flight experience.

Conclusion

Air France’s decision to reintroduce flights from London Gatwick to Paris CDG is a significant development in the airline’s strategy to expand its reach and improve connectivity between the UK and France. With two daily flights planned from March 2026, Air France is set to offer passengers more choice, enhanced flexibility, and greater access to its global network. This new route also represents an exciting milestone for Gatwick Airport, which continues to evolve as a major gateway for travelers.

As this route begins, travelers can look forward to greater convenience, improved travel options, and a seamless connection to Air France’s international services, all while benefiting from the comfort and efficiency of the Airbus A220 aircraft.