Air France is celebrating 15 years of seasonal direct flights between Paris and Cape Town, a route that has become a vital link for travellers between South Africa and Europe and a key connection between two popular international destinations.
Launched in November 2011 with three weekly flights, the seasonal service has grown steadily over the years, responding to increasing demand from both international visitors travelling to South Africa and South Africans heading abroad for the summer holiday season. Driven by booming global demand for Cape Town as a premier international summer destination, the last two years have recorded the highest passenger volumes in the route’s history. To accommodate this record interest, Air France has increased its capacity to five weekly direct flights for the 2026/2027 summer season.
With its beaches, natural beauty, food and wine experiences, vibrant cultural scene and outdoor lifestyle, Cape Town remains a major drawcard for visitors from across the globe, particularly during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
For Air France, the seasonal Paris–Cape Town service plays an important role in bringing international travellers directly to the Western Cape while supporting the region’s tourism industry. It also gives South African travellers a convenient direct connection to Paris, with onward access through Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Air France’s extensive European and international network.
“Reaching 15 years of operating this seasonal route is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Cape Town has become an important destination in our seasonal network, and the demand we’ve seen over the past two years speaks to its enduring appeal among international travellers,” says Joris Holtus, General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria and Ghana at Air France-KLM. “At the same time, the route is just as important for South Africans looking to travel to Europe and beyond during the festive and summer holiday period. Being able to connect these markets through our Paris hub is a key part of how we serve our customers and strengthen the links between South Africa and the rest of the world.”
The route’s growth over the past 15 years reflects the enduring travel connections between South Africa and France, as well as the importance of seasonal air connectivity in supporting tourism, cultural exchange and international travel. By offering a direct link between Paris and Cape Town during one of the region’s busiest travel periods, Air France continues to make it easier for visitors to discover the Western Cape and for South Africans to explore destinations across its global network.
As the route celebrates this milestone, Air France looks forward to welcoming another season of travellers on board and continuing to connect Cape Town with Paris and the world beyond.