Published on
December 14, 2025
In a landmark announcement set to reshape the UK-France travel corridor, Air France has confirmed it will operate twice-daily flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to London Gatwick (LGW) starting 29 March 2026. The new route comes as part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in the UK and further enhance connectivity for passengers traveling between the French capital and the UK’s second-largest airport. This move will offer travelers more flexibility and accessibility, particularly for those looking to fly in and out of the bustling Gatwick Airport.
A Significant Milestone in UK-France Air Travel
Air France has been synonymous with UK-France air travel for decades, with its extensive network connecting London to Paris, one of the world’s busiest flight routes. The new addition to London Gatwick marks an exciting shift, as the airline expands its operations beyond Heathrow, where it has long maintained a significant presence. Passengers now have more options to fly between the two cities, with Air France’s twice-daily flights from Gatwick providing an alternative to the high-demand Heathrow route. The decision comes as part of a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for flexible and convenient air travel between Paris and the South East of England.
The twice-daily flights will be serviced by Airbus A220 aircraft, a modern and fuel-efficient plane that is well-suited for short-to-medium-haul routes. This aircraft is designed to offer maximum comfort and advanced operational capabilities, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Whether for a quick business trip or a weekend getaway, passengers will have the advantage of shorter travel times and increased choice of departure times.
Air France and Gatwick: A Perfect Match for Connectivity
London Gatwick’s expansion as a major travel hub continues to gather momentum with the new Air France service. As the UK’s second-largest airport, Gatwick has seen a steady rise in passenger numbers over recent years, with more travelers choosing it for its accessibility, excellent transport links, and an increasing number of international flights. By connecting Paris CDG to London Gatwick, Air France is effectively opening up more convenient travel opportunities for passengers not only from London but also from the wider South East of England.
In a statement released by London Gatwick Airport, the airport highlighted the strategic significance of the new route, particularly in terms of business travel and tourism. Gatwick officials also emphasized the expanded options for UK residents and visitors to Paris, offering a much-needed alternative to the typically more congested Heathrow Airport. The airport is confident that the new Air France service will appeal to passengers seeking a quicker and more efficient way to travel between the two cities, particularly with lower congestion and easier access to the city of London.
Air France’s Ongoing Expansion in the UK Market
The announcement is just the latest move in Air France’s ongoing efforts to expand its UK network, following an aggressive push to enhance its services and increase connectivity to key European destinations. According to sources within the airline, the decision to launch this route is grounded in extensive market research, which indicated a high demand for additional flights between London and Paris. This demand is driven in large part by the increasing importance of both business and leisure travel to these major cities. The twice-daily flights are designed to cater to a wide range of passengers, from those traveling for business to tourists eager to explore both cities.
Air France’s new twice-daily service will complement its existing routes to London Heathrow, where the airline operates six daily flights from CDG. This means that passengers can now enjoy even more options, whether they’re departing from central London or the surrounding areas, or they simply prefer the convenience of Gatwick Airport for their travels. With two departure times available each day, travelers can easily find a schedule that fits their itinerary.
Why Gatwick? The Appeal of South East London
One of the key factors in choosing London Gatwick for this new route is the airport’s strategic location in the South East of England, which offers exceptional transport links to London and beyond. Gatwick is also one of the most convenient airports for those living in Southern England, including areas such as Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. With the airport’s excellent rail links to London Victoria Station in under 30 minutes, passengers will have no trouble reaching the heart of the city quickly and efficiently.
The airport also boasts excellent facilities, which will help enhance the travel experience for Air France passengers. Gatwick Airport has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years, with new terminals and improved amenities designed to make the airport more passenger-friendly. For those heading into central London, Gatwick is a great choice thanks to its high-speed train services, which provide quick and efficient access to London’s main hubs.
Impact on Business and Tourism
The new Air France service between Paris and London Gatwick is poised to strengthen the travel ties between the two cities, particularly in terms of business and tourism. London and Paris remain two of the world’s most important cultural and financial hubs, and the new flights will provide vital connectivity for both sectors. For business travelers, the ability to choose from multiple departure times throughout the day will allow for greater flexibility and ease of travel. Similarly, leisure travelers will have more opportunities to explore both cities with less hassle, thanks to the new and convenient flight schedules.
Additionally, the move is likely to boost tourism for both cities, as Air France continues to be one of the leading airlines connecting Europe with international destinations. The increased frequency of flights will encourage more spontaneous travel, whether for cultural events, leisure vacations, or business meetings.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Air France’s Growth in 2026
Air France’s new twice-daily flights from Paris CDG to London Gatwick are just one part of a larger vision for growth and expansion in the UK market. With passenger demand for flexible travel options at an all-time high, the airline is committed to providing its customers with the best possible service. By launching this new route, Air France aims to cater to the increasing demand for efficient travel between the two major European capitals.
As we look ahead to summer 2026, travelers can look forward to a smoother, more seamless journey between London and Paris with Air France. With greater flexibility, reduced congestion, and more departure options, passengers can now choose the service that best suits their travel needs, whether for business or leisure.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel Between Paris and London
This exciting new route from Air France marks the beginning of a new era in travel between Paris and London Gatwick, promising greater convenience, flexibility, and comfort for travelers. With its Airbus A220 aircraft, Air France is offering a service that meets the demands of both business and leisure passengers, making the journey between the two cities more accessible than ever before. For those looking to fly between these iconic destinations in summer 2026, Air France’s twice-daily flights will be a welcome addition to the ever-growing UK-France travel network.
