Direct Flights Linking China and France Get a Boost Ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris

As the Paris Summer Olympics approach, direct flights between mainland China and France have seen a modest increase, although they remain below pre-pandemic levels. This rise in connectivity comes as three Chinese airlines expand their services in anticipation of the influx of visitors for the global sporting event.

According to Cirium data, the number of direct flights between mainland China and France will reach 56 round-trip flights per week during the first week of August, coinciding with the Olympics. This marks an increase of 8 round-trip flights compared to June.

Shanghai Airlines has added direct flights from Shanghai to Marseille, operating three flights per week. China Southern Airlines has increased its flights from Guangzhou to Paris to one per day. Xiamen Airlines now flies from Xiamen to Paris five times a week. These additions are part of a broader effort to accommodate the expected rise in travel demand due to the Olympics.

Currently, Air France and Cathay Pacific also operate daily flights between Hong Kong and Paris. Including these routes, the total number of direct round-trip flights between China and France will reach 70 per week by August. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games, set to take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024, are driving this increase in flights.

Despite these improvements, the current number of direct flights is still significantly below the levels seen in 2019. At that time, there were over 100 weekly flights between mainland China and France. By June 2024, flight numbers have only recovered to about half of those pre-pandemic levels.

In 2019, Air France operated flights not only to major cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai but also to other destinations such as Wuhan, totaling 42 flights per week within the Greater China region. In 2024, Air France has resumed flights to Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai with a total of 21 flights per week, reflecting a 50% recovery rate.

Chinese airlines also operated numerous direct flights from second-tier cities in China to Paris in 2019. Routes included Air China's Chengdu-Paris, Hainan Airlines' Xi'an-Paris and Guiyang-Paris, China Eastern Airlines' Kunming-Paris and Qingdao-Paris, and Xiamen Airlines' Fuzhou-Paris. As of June 2024, only Chongqing and Xiamen have resumed direct flights to Paris. Moreover, the number of flights from major cities has also decreased compared to 2019.

This gradual recovery in flight operations is crucial for facilitating travel between China and France, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games, which will draw a significant number of international visitors.