Air France is bringing back direct flights between Cape Town and Paris, giving South African travelers more options to reach France and other European destinations without changing planes.

The seasonal service will return Sept. 22 and run through March 27, 2027, as the French airline responds to continued demand for travel between South Africa and France.

The route will start with three flights a week before increasing to five from November. For travelers planning holidays, business trips or onward journeys through Europe, the higher frequency means more choice during the busy summer travel season.

The flights will link Cape Town International Airport with Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France’s main hub. From Paris, passengers can connect to destinations across Europe and the airline’s wider international network.

Cape Town-Paris flights increase in November

From Sept. 22 through Oct. 31, Air France will operate flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The service will leave Cape Town at 12:15 a.m. and arrive in Paris at 12:15 p.m. the same day, meaning passengers will need to reach the airport the previous evening.

From Nov. 1 through March 27, flights will operate five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Departures from Cape Town are scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with arrival in Paris at 7:20 p.m.

Air France targets demand for South Africa travel

Wilson Tauro, country manager for Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, said Cape Town and Paris have strong links through tourism, business and culture.

He said the increase to five weekly flights would give customers greater flexibility when planning trips to Europe.

The airline is also using the route to strengthen connections between South Africa and its Paris hub.

For travelers, that means the Cape Town service can serve as a direct link to France while also opening connections to other European and international destinations.

Air France expands long-haul network

Air France is France’s flag carrier and operates a global network from its Paris hubs, connecting passengers to destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia.

The Cape Town service will be operated with the Airbus A350-900, one of Air France’s long-haul aircraft.

The seasonal return adds another direct Europe connection for Cape Town as airlines continue to respond to demand for international travel.