The largest airport in the USA is adding flights to Paris for the first time

In May, travelers will be able to fly to Paris from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Air France is making this Arizona city its new gateway city in the United States.

Flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Paris will start on May 23, as reported by Air France to Travel + Leisure. According to the airline, this new flight will establish the first direct connection between Phoenix and France.

The new route will be serviced by a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the summer. Departures from Paris will be at 10:10 a.m., arriving in Phoenix at 12:10 p.m., departing again at 2:10 p.m., and arriving in Paris at 9:15 a.m. the following day.

"As the 22nd North American destination for Air France next summer season, this new service symbolizes our commitment to expanding our transatlantic connectivity," said Boaz Halsman, vice president of commercial for Air France-KLM North America, in a statement provided to T+L. "We look forward to soon offering passengers from Phoenix an experience that embodies the best of French elegance."

Each flight will feature 30 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 228 economy seats, according to Air France.

These new flights to Phoenix follow Air France's decision to increase the number of flights to Paris from Newark Liberty International Airport in December, marking the carrier's return to Newark for the first time since 2012. Last year, Air France also resumed several flights between the US and Paris, including from Denver, Dallas, and between JFK International Airport and Paris Orly Airport.

These new flights are also conveniently timed for the 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled to take place in Paris on July 26. Spectators will be able to purchase tickets for these events online, with the official ticket resale platform expected to launch in the spring.