Air France has launched a new direct route from Paris to Phuket, with its first flight arriving at Phuket International Airport yesterday morning, November 28, marking the return of seasonal service between France and Thailand’s southern tourist hub.
Flight AF156, operated by a Boeing 777-200, landed at 9.25am after departing Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport the previous evening. The route will operate three times a week through the winter schedule, ending in March 2026.
The arrival was marked by a small welcome event attended by French Ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket airport officials, and Air France executives.
The airline currently operates two daily flights from Paris to Bangkok year-round. Phuket becomes Air France’s second Thai destination, part of the airline’s expanded winter schedule.
According to the TAT, France ranks fifth among long-haul markets for Thailand, following Russia, the UK, the US, and Germany. From January 1 to November 23, Thailand recorded 710,968 arrivals from France, up 13.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
Most visitors from France are reported to be first-time travellers and independent tourists, with an average stay of over 17 days and reported spending of approximately 58,611 baht per trip.
Key destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani.
Source: The Thaiger