Air France Adjusts Domestic Flights Amid Reduced Demand

19 Oct, 2023

Air France Adjusts Domestic Flights Amid Reduced Demand

Air France has revealed its plans to reconfigure its domestic services to and from Paris starting in September 2026, citing a significant decline in point-to-point demand. The decision by Air France Group is attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of videoconferencing, a reduction in domestic business travel, and an increasing preference for rail transportation.

This combination of factors has led to what the airline describes as a "structural fall in demand" on its point-to-point network, particularly noticeable between 2019 and 2023. During this period, domestic route traffic originating from Paris-Orly experienced a 40% decrease, with a much steeper decline of up to 60% for day return trips.

Following consultations with relevant stakeholders, the Air France Group has outlined its intention to designate Transavia as the primary operator for flights between Paris-Orly and Toulouse, Marseille, and Nice, commencing in the summer of 2026.

Transavia boasts a growing fleet of new-generation Airbus A320neo aircraft, which offer a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with a 50% decrease in noise footprint.

Air France's revised service structure from 2026 will include the following key changes:

1. All of Air France's domestic and international flights, except those to Corsica, will operate from its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. As per Public Service Order (PSO) regulations, Air France will maintain its service to and from Corsica from Paris-Orly. The airline has jointly bid with Air Corsica for the renewal of this PSO, demonstrating its commitment to Corsica.
2. Until 2026, Air France will continue to serve Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, as well as the French Overseas departments from Paris-Orly. Starting in October 2023, flights to Cayenne (French Guiana) will only operate from Paris Charles de Gaulle.
3. During this transition period, Air France will augment the number of flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, and Saint-Denis de La Réunion, facilitating international connections and enhancing connectivity between French regions and Overseas territories.
4. The capacity between Paris and Toulouse, Marseille, and Nice will be maintained at 90% of the current level, and 100% for routes connecting Paris with the French Overseas territories.

The airline has committed to initiating a process of information and consultation with employee representative bodies and will engage in negotiations with representative trade unions to define the best means of supporting employees affected by these changes.