Published on
December 26, 2025
Air France is transforming its Paris-Manila service into a seasonal route starting in 2026, suspending summer flights to optimize aircraft utilization and align with peak travel demand. The airline’s decision to operate this route only during the winter months reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly adjusting their schedules based on seasonal demand. By suspending direct flights during the European summer, Air France can redeploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft to markets with higher demand, ensuring efficient fleet management while still providing a direct connection between Paris and Manila during the winter season. This strategic shift allows Air France to maintain flexibility and respond to evolving market conditions.
Air France will convert its Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to Manila route into a seasonal service starting in 2026, suspending operations during the summer months and only operating during the winter schedule. From May 4 to October 12, 2026, the airline will pause direct flights on this route, making the service seasonal. This change means there will be no direct Air France flights between Paris and Manila during the European summer.
Currently, Air France operates the route three times a week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These flights will be removed from the summer timetable, and the service will return with the winter 2026-2027 schedule. The move reflects the broader trend of airlines adjusting their long-haul routes according to seasonal demand. By operating the route only during the winter months, Air France can optimize its aircraft deployment, focusing on routes that see higher demand during peak travel periods.
The Paris-Manila route was reinstated in December 2024, marking Air France’s return to the Philippine market after a 20-year absence. The restoration of this direct link between France and the Philippines reestablished a vital connection between the two countries, which had been lost after Philippine Airlines ceased its Paris-Manila flights in 1998.
By suspending the Paris-Manila route during the summer, Air France can reassign its Airbus A350-900 aircraft to other markets where demand is higher, particularly during the northern hemisphere’s summer months. Summer is a busy period for air travel, especially on routes to North America and popular leisure destinations, which often see significant spikes in demand. The decision to suspend Paris-Manila flights will allow Air France to redeploy its aircraft to routes that generate greater returns during this peak period.
This adjustment is part of a larger strategy among airlines to better match capacity with seasonal demand. Many airlines now tailor their schedules to reflect the differing travel trends throughout the year. For Air France, this means leveraging the flexibility of its fleet to focus on high-demand routes during peak travel periods. By making the Paris-Manila link seasonal, the airline ensures that it is utilizing its aircraft where they are most needed, maintaining profitability, and ensuring a smooth service for passengers.
Although passengers will no longer have direct flights between Paris and Manila during the summer months, they can still access the Philippines via alternative routes. Air France passengers can book connecting flights through various partner hubs such as Amsterdam with KLM, or through SkyTeam partners like Saudia and Vietnam Airlines. These options provide travelers with a convenient way to reach Manila, despite the seasonal suspension of direct flights.
The Paris-Manila service was relaunched after significant investment in the route, and the decision to make it seasonal highlights Air France’s approach to maintaining flexible operations. By aligning its long-haul capacity with demand, the airline can ensure better efficiency and provide more effective use of its fleet. This flexibility also allows the airline to maintain its competitive edge while adapting to shifts in the travel landscape.
The move to seasonalize the Paris-Manila route also opens up opportunities for Air France to explore other potential markets, while still offering a direct connection to Manila during the winter months. For travelers who enjoy the convenience of direct flights, this adjustment allows the airline to continue providing a reliable service between the two cities during the high-demand winter period, while also catering to seasonal changes in passenger traffic.
In addition to the seasonal adjustment, Air France’s decision reflects ongoing efforts by airlines to adjust their schedules based on current trends and operational efficiencies. Airlines are continuously looking for ways to better align their services with consumer demand and adapt to changing market conditions. For Air France, this shift will help improve the overall balance between demand and capacity, ensuring that passengers can still access the Philippines with flexible options.
The seasonal change to the Paris-Manila route also follows a broader pattern in the airline industry, where airlines are increasingly focusing on optimizing fleet usage and adjusting routes according to market needs. With the global air travel industry still recovering from the pandemic, airlines are prioritizing routes that generate the highest revenue, while reducing services on routes that show lower demand. This strategy allows airlines to maximize their profitability while offering consumers more flexible travel options.
Air France is shifting its Paris-Manila service to seasonal operations in 2026, suspending summer flights to optimize fleet utilization and align with peak travel demand. This strategic move ensures more efficient aircraft deployment during high-demand periods.
The suspension of direct flights between Paris and Manila during the summer months is an example of how airlines are responding to the need for flexibility in their scheduling. While this adjustment may limit options for travelers during the summer, it also highlights how airlines are refining their strategies to meet both consumer demand and operational goals. For passengers looking for a direct connection, the Paris-Manila route will return with the winter schedule in 2026, ensuring continued access to this important destination in the future.
