French national flag carrier Air France has announced in a press release seen by Simple Flying that it will be adding summer flights to the French Caribbean and other French overseas departments. While not technically a part of France, the overseas departments have the same political status as the mainland and constitutional provisions that allow them to have greater autonomy. They also, just like France, use the Euro as their form of currency.
In its statement, Air France says it will be increasing the number of weekly flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) to the following destinations:
- French Guiana in South America
- Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean
- Mayotte and Réunion in the Indian Ocean
The new flights will start in April
Air France says that in total, it will amount to 56 flights per week, allowing citizens of the overseas departments access to the carrier’s short and long-haul networks. It is also expected to be popular with people looking for Caribbean and Indian Ocean vacations.
After being launched last December, the number of flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the Caribbean islands of Guadalupe and Martinique will increase by seven weekly flights to and from the two islands.
Flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Cayenne in French Guiana will commence on April 2, with flights to Saint-Denis on Réunion Island due to commence on April 6.
Air France will fly from CDG and ORY
Air France flight schedule for overseas departments for summer 2021:
To and from Pointe-Ã -Pitre International Airport (PTP) 18 direct flights per week:
- 11 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle
To and from Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) 14 direct flights per week:
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle
To and from Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) 10 direct flights per week:
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
- Three weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays as from April 2, 2021
To and from Aéroport de La Réunion Roland Garros (RUN) 14 direct flights per week:
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
- Seven weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle as from April 6, 2021
Boeing 777s will be used for the flights
The SkyTeam member says in its press release that all of the above flights will be operated using Boeing 777-200 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft, all fitted with business, premium economy, and economy class cabins.
Tickets for the summer flights are already available for booking online, and as per Air France’s current policies amid the pandemic, bookings can be modified at no cost up until 30 September 2021.
Before traveling, Air France recommends that all passengers check the current COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements in France and the overseas departments before departure. Currently, anyone traveling to a French overseas department needs to have a negative PCR test taken no later than 72 hours before departure.
Air France says it is taking all measures to ensure that its planes are thoroughly cleaned after each flight and reminds customers that face masks are compulsory throughout the journey.
What do you think about the summer Air France overseas department flights? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
