Friday, May 30, 2025

Air France is set to resume its seasonal nonstop service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), commencing December 15, 2025, and continuing through January 12, 2026.

This marks a significant boost for South African and European travelers, aligning perfectly with South Africa’s summer peak and Europe’s holiday travel season.

The airline’s return to Cape Town with a daily flight schedule underscores Air France’s commitment to strengthening connectivity between South Africa and Europe, and further afield. The service aims to facilitate tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange while offering travelers the hallmark comfort and elegance Air France is known for.

The daily service will be operated on the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, an aircraft recognized globally for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and superior passenger comfort. The A350’s spacious cabins, enhanced air quality, and reduced noise levels create a stylish and restful travel environment, ideal for the long-haul flight between Cape Town and Paris.

Flight AF0871 will depart Cape Town each morning at 08:50 and arrive in Paris at 19:20 local time. The return flight, AF0890, will leave Paris at 18:30 and land in Cape Town at 06:45 the following morning, offering convenient schedules for both leisure and business travelers.

Air France promises an elevated onboard experience for all passengers, featuring gourmet meals, a fine selection of wines and champagne available in all travel classes, and attentive French hospitality. This luxury is extended across the cabin classes, ensuring comfort and quality regardless of ticket category.

Wilson Tauro, Air France-KLM’s representative, expressed enthusiasm about the reinstatement and upgrade of the Cape Town route:
“We’re thrilled to bring our seasonal Cape Town–Paris flights back, now upgraded to daily service for the summer season. Air France is dedicated to making the journey as memorable as the destination — with world-class service, French flair, and a glass of champagne on board, we’ve got that covered.”

The new route significantly improves travel options for South Africans by providing seamless connections to Air France’s expansive European network via Paris. This includes convenient onward flights to the Americas, Asia, and Africa, enabling broader international access from Cape Town.

European travelers similarly benefit, gaining easier access to South Africa’s iconic destinations such as Cape Town’s beaches, Table Mountain, and the nearby winelands. Tourism South Africa and the Department of Transport highlight air connectivity as a vital component of supporting inbound tourism, which contributes substantially to the national economy.

Air France-KLM is intensifying its presence in the South African market with up to 18 weekly flights to Cape Town and 32 flights per week to South Africa overall, including services to Johannesburg. This expansion underscores the group’s confidence in South Africa’s recovery as a travel destination and the potential for long-term growth.

Together with local aviation authorities, including the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the airline ensures compliance with international safety and operational standards, prioritizing passenger security and service quality.

Bookings for the 2025-26 summer season are now open, and travelers are encouraged to secure their seats early to take advantage of availability and preferred schedules. The Department of Tourism South Africa advises prospective visitors to check visa requirements, travel advisories, and health regulations prior to travel.

This seasonal flight resumption is also aligned with South Africa’s National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), which emphasizes improving international access, stimulating tourism spend, and supporting sustainable development.

Enhanced air links with major European hubs such as Paris facilitate cultural exchange, investment, and economic collaboration, furthering the country’s objectives under the National Development Plan (NDP).

Air France’s return to Cape Town with daily seasonal flights on the modern Airbus A350 represents a milestone for South Africa-Europe travel relations. This move is expected to boost tourism, provide greater convenience for travelers, and contribute positively to economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.

By offering a luxurious and efficient travel experience, Air France strengthens its brand presence while supporting South Africa’s broader goals of sustainable tourism growth and international connectivity.

References:

• Air France Official Website
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Source: businesstech