Air France will begin nonstop flights between Manila and Paris this December, operating three times a week, according to Air France-KLM General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Femke Kroese.
The 14-hour flights will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, complementing KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ existing service on other days.
The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines, France, and the European Union.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel called it a “milestone” in strengthening bilateral relations, noting France issues 37,000 visas to Filipinos annually.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista assured that Ninoy Aquino International Airport is prepared for the flights, despite its congestion, with ongoing improvements underway.
“NAIA is always ready to accept these passengers. Of course, you know that NAIA is a very congested airport and this is the reason why we are privatizing it and making some more improvements,” the DOTr chief said.
“So, no worries about getting some issues or problems for the passengers of these nonstop flights from Paris to Manila,” he added.
