Air France’s Launches Direct Flight from Paris to Phuket Strengthening Thailand’s Global Connectivity and Opening Doors to Luxury Travel for Affluent French Tourists

Published on December 1, 2025

Air France’s launch of a direct flight from Paris to Phuket is a game-changing development for Thailand’s tourism industry, significantly enhancing the country’s global connectivity. This new route offers a seamless and convenient travel option for affluent French tourists, opening the door to Thailand’s premier luxury destinations, including Phuket’s world-renowned resorts, wellness retreats, and stunning natural beauty. By fostering stronger ties between France and Thailand, the direct service is expected to boost high-value tourism, drive economic growth, and position Thailand as a top destination for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable, high-end travel experience.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently celebrated the launch of Air France’s new direct flight from Paris to Phuket, a significant milestone in enhancing Thailand’s global connectivity. The new service, part of TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, aims to attract high-value visitors and boost long-haul tourism, with a particular focus on France. Flight AF156, which departs from Paris at 15:50 and arrives in Phuket at 09:25, began operations on November 27.

The inaugural flight ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Director for Europe at TAT. Mrs. Femke Kroese, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Air France, also participated in the event, alongside prominent figures from Phuket’s tourism sector, marking a memorable launch for the new route.

The new Paris-Phuket service strengthens the existing bond between France and Thailand, a relationship that continues to flourish. Ms. Sarutilavan pointed out that France is one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, known for its loyal and increasingly affluent travelers. The new route is expected to further cement this connection, bringing more upscale visitors to Thailand’s prime southern destination. Phuket’s reputation as a top luxury destination, complete with wellness retreats, yacht experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty, makes it a perfect getaway for discerning French tourists seeking an enriching and tranquil escape.

Air France will operate the Paris–Phuket route three times a week, using its Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which has a capacity of 328 seats. This service is scheduled to continue through March 2026, providing more frequent and convenient options for travelers. Additionally, Air France maintains two daily flights between Paris and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport throughout the year, further enhancing connectivity between France and Thailand.

To promote this new route, TAT and Air France are collaborating on the “Air France Digital Campaign – Inspirational Gold Package.” This initiative makes use of Air France’s extensive digital platforms to raise awareness of Thailand’s rich cultural and travel offerings among French tourists. By leveraging Air France’s reach and influence, TAT hopes to entice more French visitors to explore Thailand’s diverse attractions.

From January to November 2025, Thailand welcomed 727,578 French visitors, marking a 2.46% increase from the previous year. A large proportion of these visitors are first-time travelers, many of whom are opting for FIT (free independent traveler) packages. These travelers are not only drawn to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, but they also tend to spend generously during their stays, with an average expenditure of 58,611 Baht per trip. They also stay an average of 17.22 days, with popular destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani. By the end of 2025, TAT expects the total number of French visitors to reach 846,000, further underscoring the potential of this new direct flight to drive tourism growth.

This new route also aligns with the broader objectives of Thailand’s tourism sector, which aims to attract more high-end tourists and enhance the country’s position as a global hub for luxury and wellness tourism. The Paris–Phuket service is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals, offering French travelers a more direct and convenient way to experience the best of Thailand’s southern charm.

Phuket, in particular, stands to benefit from this development, as the island has long been a sought-after destination for affluent tourists looking for an exclusive and peaceful retreat. From luxury resorts and private villas to world-class spas and top-notch dining experiences, Phuket is well-equipped to meet the demands of high-net-worth individuals. Furthermore, the island’s rich cultural offerings, such as the annual Phuket Old Town Festival and the majestic temples and shrines, continue to draw visitors seeking a deeper connection with Thailand’s heritage.

The new Air France service is also a testament to the ongoing collaboration between TAT and international airlines, which is key to expanding Thailand’s tourism footprint on the global stage. The success of the Paris–Phuket route could inspire other airlines to introduce direct services to other key international markets, making it easier for tourists to access Thailand’s diverse destinations.

The launch of the direct Paris to Phuket flight enhances global connectivity, offering affluent travelers a seamless journey to Thailand’s luxury tourism hub. This new route positions Phuket as a premier destination for high-value visitors seeking exclusive experiences.

In conclusion, the launch of Air France’s direct flight from Paris to Phuket is a landmark event in Thailand’s tourism industry. By enhancing connectivity between two vibrant tourism markets, this new service is set to attract more high-value French visitors, contributing to Thailand’s goal of becoming a premier destination for luxury travelers. With continued collaboration between TAT and global airlines, Thailand’s tourism sector is well on its way to achieving sustainable growth, attracting both repeat and first-time visitors to explore all that the Kingdom has to offer.