Air France gives Phoenix a coveted nonstop route to Paris

January 23, 2024

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is getting a major new connection to Europe just in time for summer.

Starting May 23, Air France will launch nonstop service from Phoenix to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The service includes three weekly round trips during the summer months.

The new route is now available in Air France’s booking channels.

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Phoenix city leaders announced the new route alongside executives from the French flag carrier Monday, calling it a “big win” for the city.

“I know that so many in our community are excited to take full advantage of this service, whether you had your honeymoon in Paris and need to return, or you love the arts and culture and cuisine,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said at a news conference Monday.

Bonjour Paris! 🇫🇷 ✈️ @airfrance will be starting nonstop service between PHX & Paris beginning in May. This marks the first time there will be nonstop service between the two cities. https://t.co/vGwQoX5XKm pic.twitter.com/wBDXegCCAd

— Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (@PHXSkyHarbor) January 22, 2024

It’s also a route that’s seen as a long time coming. Before the pandemic, Gallego said, Paris was Phoenix’s largest unserved market in Europe. And, she added, the number of passengers traveling on itineraries between the two cities in 2023 grew 40% over 2019 levels.

Phoenix route to Paris

According to booking options on its website, Air France will fly its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route.

The Air France Dreamliner offers 30 lie-flat seats in business class, 21 premium economy seats and 228 seats in economy.

CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY

The first flight departing from Phoenix, en route to Paris, is scheduled to push back at 2:10 p.m. on May 23, arriving in Paris at 9:15 a.m. the next day.

The westbound flight departs midmorning, Paris time, and arrives just after noon, Phoenix time.

A much-needed European expansion

SYLVAIN SONNET/GETTY IMAGES

Though Phoenix is a hub for two of the four largest U.S. airlines — American Airlines and Southwest Airlines — the airport currently has few options for getting travelers to Europe nonstop.

Both American and British Airways offer nonstop service to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). And German leisure carrier Condor flies to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

The addition of Air France’s Paris service figures to be a welcome addition, particularly as the city prepares to welcome millions of visitors in late July for the 2024 Olympic Games.