Air France Brings Orlando–Paris Nonstop Back After 13 Years

Key Takeaways

• Air France resumes nonstop Orlando–Paris flights May 21, 2025 with four weekly Airbus A350-900 departures.
• Round-trip economy fares range $553–$820; award seats start at 20,000 miles one-way using Flying Blue miles.
• Direct flights make travel easier for families, students, business travelers; boosts Central Florida tourism, business, and education ties with Europe.

Travelers looking for direct flights between Orlando and Paris have reason to be excited. Air France has announced it will restart its nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on May 21, 2025. This new flight will not only bring back a long-missed route for Central Florida but will also add Orlando as the airline’s 18th destination in the United States. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this decision will make it easier for vacationers, students, and business professionals in Florida to reach Paris and connect to the wider European continent.

This article looks in detail at what this flight means, how the service will work, who will benefit, and what changes travelers can expect from both an immigration and travel standpoint.

Key Facts about the New Nonstop Service

So, what makes this new Air France route from Orlando International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport important? Let’s start with the basic details:

• Service Start Date: May 21, 2025
• Route: Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  – Flight Frequency: Four times weekly — every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
• Aircraft: The modern Airbus A350-900
  • 34 seats in Business Class
  • 24 seats in Premium Economy
  • 266 seats in Economy Class

This wide-bodied plane gives passengers three clear choices for cabin comfort and service. Business travelers, families, and solo vacationers will all find options that fit their needs and budgets.

When and How Do The Flights Operate?

The new Air France flights will operate on the following schedule (all times local):

With this schedule, travelers flying out of Orlando will land in Paris the following afternoon, ready to start their travels or connect onward. The return flight leaves Paris in the evening, making it easier for travelers to arrive in Orlando at night, after their day in Europe.

New Travel Choices: Fare and Redemption

When the flights start, travelers will see round-trip economy ticket prices on Air France’s website ranging from about $553 to $820 for summer departures. For those who use award miles, redemption rates begin at:
– 20,000 miles one-way for Economy
– 35,000 miles one-way for Premium Economy
– 50,000 miles one-way for Business Class

These prices and redemption rates are expected to draw demand from cost-savvy families and travelers looking for value, as well as frequent flyers using Air France’s Flying Blue program.

Why This New Route Matters

Air France’s move to bring back the Orlando International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport route has several impacts.

Connecting Florida and Europe

By choosing Orlando for their newest U.S. route, Air France is plugging Central Florida directly into its wider European network. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is a huge hub, offering easy onward flights to more than 120 countries. This is important for travelers in Florida because:
– There’s no longer a need to change planes in New York, Atlanta, or Miami for most European cities.
– Students heading to study abroad now have a shorter, simpler journey.
– Business professionals can reach Paris or connect to the rest of Europe with fewer obstacles.
– Vacationers can start their trip to France with a simple nonstop flight, which is easier for families with kids, older travelers, and those with a lot of luggage.

Boost for Orlando and Central Florida

The new route is expected to draw more French and European visitors to Orlando. Central Florida is already famous for its theme parks, beaches, and warm weather. Easier access from Europe can mean more tourists, business growth, and deeper ties between Florida and France.

The decision also shows Air France’s trust in Orlando as a growing travel market. By resuming this route after more than ten years (the service ended in 2012), the airline is betting on steady demand from both tourists and residents in the region.

The Bigger North American Picture

With this launch, Orlando joins a strong network of U.S. cities linked to Paris by Air France, including New York City, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth. This wide coverage supports family visits, student exchanges, business deals, and tourism.

History and Context Behind Air France’s Decision

Air France stopped flying between Orlando International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in 2012 when demand was lower, and the global economy faced challenges. Since then, Orlando’s population has grown, and its airport has become one of the busiest in the United States.

Travel habits have changed too. There’s more interest in direct, single-stop flights, especially after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have listened to travelers who want fewer layovers, lower health risks, and more reliable schedules.

Air France’s return to Orlando also comes as part of its plan to expand connections across North America. By using the efficient and fuel-saving Airbus A350-900, the airline can keep costs down while offering modern comforts such as quieter cabins and better air quality.

Immigration Impact: What Passengers Should Know

For those thinking about using the new Air France service between Orlando International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are some immigration steps to keep in mind.

Flying from the United States to France

• U.S. Citizens: You do not need a visa for short tourist or business trips (up to 90 days) in France. But you must have a passport that is valid at least 3 months beyond your planned stay. Starting in 2025 or later, American travelers may need to fill out an online travel application as part of the new European Union ETIAS program.
• French and Other EU Citizens: Flying home or visiting family is much easier, as you only need your country’s passport or national ID.
• Other Nationalities: If you live in the United States on a visa (such as a student or H-1B worker), you must check visa rules for France and neighboring countries before traveling. Transit rules and visa types can be found on the official French government visa page.
• Students and Exchange Visitors: Many will use this route for programs in Paris or elsewhere in France. It’s important to check your acceptance letter and visa paperwork before traveling.

Arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is the main international gateway to France and is known for strict but efficient border checks. Immigration officers will ask about the reason for your visit, where you are staying, your return ticket, and proof of enough money for your stay. Having these ready speeds up your entry.

If you plan to travel further within Europe’s Schengen Area (which includes most EU countries), you will clear passport control once at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and don’t need to do it again when going to countries like Italy, Germany, or Spain.

Coming Home to Orlando International Airport

When returning to the United States, citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) will use U.S. lanes at Orlando International Airport. Others, like students and tourists, should have their documents ready for Customs and Border Protection officers.

Anyone connecting to another U.S. city after arriving in Orlando will need to pass through immigration and customs first, claim their checked luggage, then re-check it for their final destination.

Economic and Travel Effects for Central Florida

Air France’s Orlando to Paris flight is likely to have broad effects beyond the airport.

• Tourism Growth: Many European tourists visit Orlando for its theme parks and resorts. Easier access from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport means more French and European families may plan trips to Florida.
• Business Ties: Paris is a center of global business, finance, and culture. Direct flights make it faster and more attractive for companies to send teams and make deals between France and Central Florida.
• Educational Exchange: Central Florida’s colleges and universities have programs and partnerships with French schools. Easier air service means more students and professors can join exchange programs or research visits.
• Job Creation: More flights mean more jobs in hospitality, transportation, airport services, and tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and local shops may also see more business.

Who Will Benefit from the New Route?

The nonstop Air France flight between Orlando International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport serves many groups:

• Central Florida Residents: Those with family, friends, or business connections in France or Europe get a convenient option.
• Tourists: Both ways—the easier Air France service encourages vacationers from France to visit Florida, and Floridians to explore Paris.
• Students and Educational Staff: Direct flights mean less worry about missing connections and easier transport for school projects and exchange programs.
• Business Travelers: Companies gain time and cost savings with the nonstop route, which supports international growth.
• Visitors from Europe: Easy connections through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport open up Central Florida for more European travelers.

Booking and Travel Planning: What You Need to Know

Finding tickets on Air France’s official website remains the best way to compare flight times, prices, and cabin classes. During busy summer periods, fare sales and special offers may come and go fast, so those hoping to travel should plan ahead.

For those using frequent flyer miles, log in to the Flying Blue program and check award seat availability, as popular dates and classes tend to sell out quickly. If planning a trip with children or during school breaks, book as soon as you can.

Travelers should keep all visa documents, travel permission letters, or health certificates ready for both departure and arrival. This is especially true for student groups and travelers who need special assistance.

Wider Meaning: Strengthening Ties Across the Atlantic

Air France’s renewed nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport show the growing friendship and exchange between Florida and France. The flights create direct links that benefit everyone—tourists, students, workers, and families.

With Air France’s focus on using new, comfortable planes and flexible schedules, more people will be able to travel, study, and do business between Central Florida and Europe. This change makes cross-Atlantic trips easier, supports local businesses, and brings more choices to travelers.

For further reading or to book your trip, the official Air France website offers updated schedules, fares, and travel rules. You can also visit VisaVerge.com for regular updates and tips on immigration requirements and travel news.

In summary, Air France’s new nonstop flight brings Orlando and Paris closer than ever, unlocking new opportunities for travel, business, and personal connections. With easier journeys and more choices now available, this new service is set to make a lasting difference for Florida and beyond.

Learn Today

Airbus A350-900 → A modern, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft used by Air France for long-haul international flights, featuring three service classes.
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorization System; an upcoming EU program requiring pre-travel online authorization for U.S. citizens and others.
Schengen Area → A zone of 27 European countries with open borders, allowing individuals to travel between member states without repeated passport checks.
Flying Blue → Air France’s loyalty program that enables travelers to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and special rewards.
Customs and Border Protection → U.S. agency responsible for immigration and customs checks for people entering the United States at airports and borders.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air France is relaunching direct flights between Orlando International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport beginning May 21, 2025. The route offers four weekly Airbus A350-900 departures, competitive fares, and great connections, making travel easier for families, students, and professionals, while supporting economic and cultural ties between Central Florida and Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com

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