PHUKET, THAILAND – Air France’s first direct flight from Paris to Phuket landed on the island yesterday morning, marking a new seasonal connection between France and Thailand’s popular beach destination.
Inaugural Air France flight lands with VIPs
The inaugural Air France service, flight AF196 operated by a Boeing 777-200, departed Paris Charles de Gaulle on the evening of 27 November and arrived on schedule at 9:25 a.m. The first aircraft carried the French ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and senior airline executives. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marked the arrival with a formal ceremony.
“This is an important milestone for Thai tourism.”
said a TAT representative. The route was initially scheduled as a seasonal service until March 2026.
French visitors stay longer and spend more
France ranked fifth among Thailand’s most important long-haul source markets. In 2025, more than 710,000 French tourists visited the country, an increase of 13.8% compared with 2024. On average, French guests stayed over 17 days and spent about 58,611 baht (around 1,500 euros) per trip.
Popular destinations for French travellers included Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi and Surat Thani. For 2025, the TAT expected a total of 846,000 visitors from France.
Timetable offers new options for Thailand holidays
The new route eliminated the need for passengers to change planes in Bangkok, offering a nonstop connection to Phuket. Flights from Paris were scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with returns on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Air France also continued to operate its two daily services to Bangkok.
“This offers French visitors additional travel options.”
said Femke Kroese, the airline’s regional manager. Thailand’s air capacity from Europe was reported to be 5% above 2019 levels.
International airlines ramp up Thai services
Air France was among several carriers expanding services to Thailand. United Airlines resumed daily flights to Bangkok from Los Angeles via Hong Kong after a pause of more than ten years. Further partnerships with Norse Atlantic, Condor, TUI and British Airways were reported to be in planning.
The TAT pursued an “Airline Focus” strategy to strengthen air connectivity from key markets. Its goal was to attract 11.6 million long-haul tourists by 2026.
Impact on travellers and Phuket’s future
Additional flights were expected to increase choice and potentially reduce fares for visitors. The direct Paris–Phuket service reduced travel time and stress, making the island more accessible for European travellers. While some French tourists were already relaxing by hotel pools, others were planning future trips.
“Thailand remains a destination people long for.”
said a travel expert. The article noted that the island dream was now only a nonstop flight away.
Broader effects of new direct connections
The report highlighted that a direct flight could transform an entire region, bringing more jobs, income and cultural exchange. At the same time, it pointed to increased pressure on infrastructure and nature. It raised the question of whether this expansion would provide the boost Phuket needed or mark the start of overcrowding on the island.