Air France brings back popular seasonal Cape Town–Paris route for 2026/27 summer season

Air France is bringing back its popular seasonal direct service between Cape Town and Paris for the 2026/27 summer travel season, giving South African travellers more opportunities to experience the French capital and connect onwards to destinations across Europe and beyond. 

The seasonal service will operate from 22 September 2026 through to 27 March 2027, with frequencies increasing as the season progresses. 

Initial seasonal service

From 22 September to 31 October 2026, Air France will operate three weekly flights between Cape Town International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Cape Town departure will take place shortly after midnight, at 00:15, arriving in Paris at 12:15 the same day. Passengers travelling on these services should take note that they will need to arrive at Cape Town International Airport on the evening before departure. 

Increased frequency from November

From 1 November 2026 to 27 March 2027, the service will increase to five flights per week, operating every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. During this period, flights will depart Cape Town at 08:30, arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 19:20. 

All services will be operated using Air France's Airbus A350-900, one of the airline's flagship long-haul aircraft. 

The return of the seasonal route comes as Air France continues to strengthen its long-haul network and respond to demand for travel between South Africa and France. The airline's Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub also provides travellers with convenient onward connections to destinations across Air France's extensive European and international network. 

“We are incredibly excited to bring our popular seasonal Cape Town–Paris service back for the 2026/27 summer season,” says Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM. “Cape Town and Paris are two destinations with an incredibly strong connection, whether through tourism, business, culture or the many South Africans who travel to France each year. Increasing the service to five flights a week for the majority of the season gives our customers even greater flexibility when planning their European travels.” 

He adds, “The route is also an important part of our commitment to connecting South Africa with the world through our Paris hub. Whether welcoming global travellers to the Western Cape or travelling to Paris for a city break, continuing onwards to another European destination or connecting further afield, we look forward to welcoming them on board and making their journey part of the experience.” 

Flight schedule

22 September – 31 October 2026Days: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Departure: Cape Town 00:15 Arrival: Paris-Charles de Gaulle 12:15 Frequency: 3 flights per week Please note: passengers travelling on the 00:15 departure should arrive at Cape Town International Airport on the evening before their flight.

1 November 2026 – 27 March 2027Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Departure: Cape Town 08:30 Arrival: Paris-Charles de Gaulle 19:20 Frequency: 5 flights per week 

Flight bookings for the Cape Town to Paris route are now open. For reservations, flight details, and full terms, visit www.airfrance.co.za, use the Air France mobile app, or contact your preferred travel agent. Flight schedule subject to change.