Direct flights between Cape Town and a European hotspot are returning this year, with five flights a week on the way.
South Africans planning a trip to France will soon have another direct flight option, with Air France bringing back its seasonal Cape Town–Paris route for the 2026/27 summer season.
The airline will resume direct flights between Cape Town International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle on 22 September 2026, with the service running until early 2027.
The route will initially operate three times a week before increasing to five flights per week for most of the season.
From 22 September to 31 October 2026, Air France will operate flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
During this period, flights will depart Cape Town at approximately 00:15am, arriving in Paris at 12:15pm.
From 1 November 2026 to 27 March 2027, the service will increase to five flights per week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Flights during this period will depart Cape Town at approximately 08:30am and arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 19:20pm.
The route will be operated using Air France‘s Airbus A350-900, one of the airline’s flagship long-haul aircraft.
Flight prices start from R7 600 (correct at time of publication) for economy.
The seasonal route has operated previously and is being reintroduced as Air France looks to strengthen its long-haul network while responding to demand for travel between South Africa and France.
Air France’s country manager in South Africa, Wilson Tauro, said the airline was excited to bring the service back.
He said Cape Town and Paris had a strong connection through tourism, business and culture, as well as the number of South Africans travelling to France each year.
The increase to five flights a week for most of the season will also give travellers more flexibility when planning trips to Europe.
The route also provides connections to destinations across Europe through Air France’s Paris hub.
For Cape Town travellers, the return of the direct service means getting to the French capital will once again be possible without having to connect through another international airport.
PeriodDaysDepartureArrivalFrequency
22 Sep – 31 Oct 2026
Mon, Wed, SatCape Town 00:15Paris 12:153 per week
1 Nov 2026 – 27 Mar 2027
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, SunCape Town 08:30Paris 19:205 per week
With the service running through the southern African summer and into March 2027, the route also provides an additional direct option for South Africans planning European holidays during the festive season and early 2027.
