Air France Adds San Diego and Nashville Routes

Air France is expanding its United States network by introducing new routes to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) in May 2027. The SkyTeam Alliance carrier announced that flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to SAN will commence on May 3, 2027, and to BNA on May 14, 2027. These new services will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, utilizing an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The A350-900 is configured to offer a range of seating options, including business, premium economy, extra-legroom economy, and standard economy classes. The inaugural flight to Nashville, designated as AF46, includes a specific tribute to the birth year of the iconic singer Dolly Parton, who was born in 1946. This addition to the Nashville route honors the Tennessee native and her cultural significance.

Concurrently, Air France is ceasing operations to Denver International Airport (DEN). The airline confirmed that seasonal flights to DEN, which began in 2021, will conclude on October 10, 2027. A spokesperson for Air France stated that the capacity previously allocated to DEN will be redistributed to other routes, emphasizing that this reallocation will not result in an overall reduction of capacity in the region. This strategic shift aims to optimize resource allocation and focus on more promising markets.

The decision to discontinue Denver service comes as United Airlines, which maintains a significant hub at DEN, prepares to launch its own new daily flights from DEN to CDG on May 27, 2027, using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This move by United highlights the competitive dynamics in transatlantic travel from Denver.

Air France's expansion is part of a broader transatlantic joint venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. This partnership allows the airlines to coordinate various aspects of their trans-Atlantic operations, including flight schedules, fare setting, and commercial strategies. Delta Air Lines, a key partner in this venture, is also planning significant growth in its European network for 2027. Delta is set to introduce at least three new routes to Europe next year: service from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to CDG starting March 27, 2027; from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy on May 7, 2027; and from Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece on June 8, 2027. Delta will deploy an Airbus A330 aircraft on the DTW-ATH route. KLM and Virgin Atlantic have not yet announced any new U.S. routes for the upcoming year. The joint venture aims to strengthen the collective market position of these airlines in the competitive North Atlantic market.