Next spring, Air France will return to Central Florida for the first time in more than a decade. This week, the carrier announced plans to launch nonstop service from its Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) home base to Orlando International Airport (MCO). It’ll link the home of Disneyland Paris with that of Walt Disney World.
The service is set to begin May 21, 2025 — just days before Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. and the unofficial kickoff to the peak summer travel season.
The addition of Orlando will give Air France a total of 18 U.S. destinations and 25 in North America.
The airline won’t be a total newcomer to Orlando, as it most recently flew the route from Paris in 2012.
“We are excited to welcome Air France back to Orlando, furthering our city’s appeal as an international destination and connecting our region with one of Europe’s most iconic cities,” Kevin Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said in a statement announcing the news.
To Thibault’s point, Air France is seeing growth in flight traffic beyond domestic U.S. routes. In 2024, airlines’ total seats to Orlando from international cities is up about 13% over 2019, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. However, flight traffic from Europe still trails pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
Related: Private suites and high-tech touches: What it’s like flying Air France’s new business class
Air France’s new Orlando route
Air France will operate its new Orlando route with its Airbus A350-900 jet, featuring 34 lie-flat business-class seats, 24 premium economy recliners and 266 seats in the main cabin.
The route will run four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Here’s how the itinerary shakes out:
- MCO-CDG: Departs at 11 p.m. and arrives at 1:30 p.m. the next day, all times local
- CDG-MCO: Departs at 5:05 p.m. and arrives at 8:45 p.m., all times local
Booking a seat on Air France
Hoping to snag one of Air France’s business-class seats or otherwise use points and miles to book a trip between the U.S. and Europe?
The carrier’s Flying Blue loyalty program, which it shares with its sister carrier KLM, is a popular option for transferring points and miles.
Flying Blue is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
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- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
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