This year brings a wealth of changes and opportunities for air travel to and from France. Airlines are introducing new routes, adjusting operations, and implementing innovative strategies to enhance passenger experiences.
New Routes Across the Globe
Travelers will benefit from dozens of new flight routes connecting France with international destinations. Highlights include:
- Air France: Direct flights from Paris to Denver, Phoenix, and Orlando.
- easyJet: Expanding services with Lyon to Newcastle, Rennes to Manchester, Strasbourg to London, Bordeaux to Birmingham, and Paris to Newcastle.
- French Bee: Launching low-cost flights from Paris to Montreal.
- United Airlines: A new route from Nice to Washington, D.C.
- Aer Lingus: Connecting Bordeaux to Cork.
- Ryanair: Establishing flights from Birmingham to Beauvais.
Additionally, Nîmes and Tours airports will debut routes to European hotspots such as Nice, Barcelona, and Geneva starting in May, operated by L’Odyssey.
Changes to Airline Services and Policies
Airlines are evolving their services to meet passenger expectations and adapt to economic challenges:
- Air France: Testing a ‘buy on board’ catering service on select flights, replacing the traditional complimentary meals.
- Ryanair: From April, the airline will launch flights from a national French airport for the first time, connecting Paris-Orly with Bergamo and Bratislava. The carrier is also phasing out paper tickets, requiring passengers to use online boarding passes exclusively.
Ryanair and Regional Tax Controversy
Ryanair had announced plans to withdraw from 10 regional French airports in response to a proposed tax increase on air tickets. However, the fall of the Barnier government has halted this initiative, avoiding the potential tax hike. Passengers who had prepaid the expected tax may now be eligible for refunds.
Operational Changes for easyJet and Air France
- easyJet will close its base at Toulouse-Blagnac airport this spring after a decade of operations.
- Air France will end flights from Strasbourg-Entzheim in March, citing economic and environmental considerations.
New Multi-Modal Travel Options
Travelers will soon be able to seamlessly combine train and air journeys with a single ticket, thanks to a partnership between Eurostar and SkyTeam, which includes Air France-KLM. These tickets are expected to launch in the first half of the year.
Enhancements at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Renovation and expansion at Nice Côte d’Azur’s Terminal 2 are on track for completion by summer, promising an improved travel experience.
These updates mark a dynamic year for French aviation, with enhanced connectivity, innovative travel options, and changes that reflect the evolving landscape of air travel. Whether flying domestically or internationally, passengers will find new opportunities and considerations shaping their journeys in 2024.
