LONDON- Air France (AF) has launched a new twice-daily service between London Gatwick (LGW) and Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG), expanding travel options for passengers across South East England. The route operates on the modern Airbus A220, offering comfort and efficiency on this key European corridor.
The new service gives travellers direct access to Paris while also unlocking Air France’s (AF) extensive global network via CDG. It marks a significant addition to London Gatwick’s (LGW) growing list of airline partners in 2026.
Air France Resumes London Gatwick Flights
Air France now operates two daily return flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
- Departures from LGW are scheduled at 10:30 (arriving CDG at 12:40) and 17:10 (arriving CDG at 19:20).
- Return flights from CDG depart at 09:20 (arriving at LGW at 09:30) and 15:45 (arriving at LGW at 15:55).
The flexible scheduling suits a wide range of travellers, from early business commuters to leisure passengers planning weekend breaks. All flights are operated on the Airbus A220, a fuel-efficient, single-aisle aircraft known for its passenger comfort and quiet cabin.
The launch reflects strong and consistent demand for direct connectivity between London and Paris, one of the world’s busiest city-pair routes.
By choosing Gatwick as a second London base alongside Heathrow, Air France (AF) broadens its reach into South East England, where a significant portion of the UK population resides.
Global Connectivity Through Paris CDG
Passengers travelling from London Gatwick (LGW) can connect at Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Air France’s (AF) wide international network.
Onward destinations include cities across the United States, Africa, Asia, and South America, making LGW an effective gateway for long-haul travel beyond Europe.
Early booking trends at London Gatwick (LGW) show high demand for warm-weather destinations, iconic global cities, and bucket-list adventures. The CDG connection positions AF as a strong option for passengers seeking intercontinental travel with a single-stop journey from South East England.
Inbound Travel and South East England Access
The new route also supports inbound tourism to the United Kingdom. International visitors arriving at London Gatwick (LGW) via CDG can reach central London in approximately 30 minutes by rail, making Gatwick a practical and time-efficient entry point.
This rail link strengthens LGW’s appeal among overseas travellers who prefer a faster connection to the city over the longer transfers often associated with other London airports.
The airport’s location, 28 miles south of central London, combined with strong rail frequency, makes it a competitive choice for inbound visitor traffic.
Nine New Airlines Join London Gatwick in 2026
Air France (AF) is one of nine new carriers launching operations at London Gatwick (LGW) between March and June 2026. The full list of new airlines joining the airport during this period includes:
- Animawings
- Jet2
- Air France (AF)
- Condor
- Eurowings
- Pegasus
- Beijing Capital
- Air Arabia
- AirAsia X
This wave of new entrants reflects sustained commercial demand for Gatwick slots and confidence in the airport’s long-term growth trajectory. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, noted that the arrival of a globally recognised carrier like Air France (AF) underscores the strength of the airport’s commercial proposition and its ongoing momentum.
Jerome Salemi, General Manager for Air France-KLM (AF) in the UK and Ireland, said the strong early interest in the new LGW-CDG route highlights the importance of connectivity for leisure, business, and visiting friends and family segments alike.
About London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick (LGW) serves approximately 43 million passengers annually, making it the UK’s second-largest airport and one of Europe’s most significant hubs. The airport supports over 76,000 jobs and contributes £5.5 billion in gross value added to the national economy. Nearly 60 airlines operate from LGW to more than 160 short-haul and over 50 long-haul destinations.
Gatwick holds the distinction of being the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, with a declared maximum capacity of 57 movements per hour. A six-year, £2 billion growth programme includes plans to bring the Northern Runway into routine use and achieve net zero airport status by 2030.
VINCI Airports holds a 50.01% ownership stake in LGW, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99%.
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