Air France has officially returned to London Gatwick for the first time in three decades, launching a stylish twice daily service to Paris Charles de Gaulle that strengthens connectivity between the South East and one of Europe’s most important global hubs.
The move marks a significant expansion of the airline’s London footprint and reinforces Gatwick’s growing appeal among major international carriers.
The inaugural flights, operated by Air France’s modern Airbus A220, signal a renewed partnership between the French flag carrier and the UK’s second busiest airport.
For Gatwick, the addition of Air France is part of a wider surge in airline growth, with nine new carriers joining the airport between March and June 2026.
“London Gatwick has welcomed its first Air France flights since 1996, connecting passengers to Paris and worldwide destinations,” the press release states, underscoring the scale of the airline’s return.
A Boost for Travellers Seeking Flexibility and Global Reach in London
The new service offers two daily departures in each direction, giving travellers greater flexibility for short breaks, business trips and onward long haul connections.
Flights leave Gatwick at 10:30 and 17:10, arriving in Paris at 12:40 and 19:20 respectively.
Return services depart Charles de Gaulle at 09:20 and 15:45, landing at Gatwick just ten minutes later thanks to the short sector.
With the A220’s efficiency and comfort, Air France is positioning the route as an attractive option for families, couples and solo travellers alike.
The airline emphasises that the schedule is designed to suit a wide range of itineraries, from weekend escapes to same day business travel.
From Paris, passengers gain seamless access to Air France’s extensive global network, spanning the United States, Africa, Asia and South America.
This enhanced connectivity is expected to appeal not only to UK travellers heading abroad but also to inbound visitors arriving in London and the South East.
Gatwick’s fast rail links mean passengers can reach central London in around half an hour.
Strong Early Demand for Global Travel
Gatwick reports that early booking trends point to rising demand for warm weather escapes, iconic global cities and long haul bucket list destinations.
The airport’s leadership sees Air France’s arrival as a timely response to this appetite for international travel.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, said the launch reflects both the airport’s momentum and the strength of its proposition to airlines.
“Welcoming such a prestigious and world famous carrier underscores the strength of Gatwick’s offer and the continued appetite from leading airlines to operate here,” he said.
“Their arrival, alongside other major brands joining the airport, reflects both the strong demand for Gatwick slots and the momentum behind our ongoing growth.”
Air France shares that optimism. Jerome Salemi, Air France KLM General Manager for the UK and Ireland, said the new route reinforces the airline’s commitment to the region.
“The strong interest we are already seeing highlights the importance of connectivity for both local and international travellers, be it for holidays, business trips or to visit friends and family,” he said.
A Growing Lineup of New Airlines at London Gatwick
Air France is one of nine new airlines joining Gatwick this year, a sign of the airport’s expanding global reach.
Between March and June 2026, carriers including Jet2, AirAsia X, Condor, Eurowings, Pegasus, Beijing Capital, Air Arabia and Animawings will all begin operations.
For Gatwick, the addition of these airlines represents a strategic broadening of its network, offering passengers more choice across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
For Air France, the return to Gatwick strengthens its competitive position in the UK market and provides a new gateway for travellers seeking access to its worldwide network.
As the summer season approaches, the twice daily Paris service is set to become a key part of Gatwick’s growing international offering, reconnecting London with one of Europe’s most important aviation hubs and opening the door to destinations across the globe.
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