The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes Air France’s new direct Paris-Phuket flight, enhancing long-haul connectivity, attracting luxury French tourists, and supporting sustainable, experience-driven tourism growth in Thailand.
Key Points
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrates Air France’s new direct Paris-Phuket flight launched on 27 November 2025, enhancing long-haul connectivity and supporting high-value tourism from France. The flight operates thrice weekly with Boeing 777-200 aircraft until March 2026, complementing Air France’s daily Paris-Bangkok services.
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This route strengthens TAT’s strategy to attract luxury French travelers to Phuket’s sustainable and experience-driven tourism offerings. France remains a key market with growing visitor numbers, reaching 727,578 arrivals in January-November 2025, up 13.51% year-on-year, targeting an 846,000 total by year-end.
- The launch featured key stakeholders, including the French Ambassador and Air France executives, highlighting collaboration on digital campaigns to boost Thailand’s appeal. Phuket is positioned as an exclusive destination emphasizing luxury, adventure, and sustainability, reinforcing France-Thailand tourism ties.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has enthusiastically welcomed the inauguration of Air France’s direct flight connecting Paris to Phuket, a strategic enhancement aligned with TAT’s Airline Focus initiative. This new route, launched on 27 November 2025, significantly improves long-haul connectivity between France and Thailand, facilitating greater access to one of Thailand’s premier luxury destinations. The inaugural flight, AF156, departs Paris in the mid-afternoon and arrives in Phuket the following morning, underscoring a convenient schedule designed to attract discerning travelers who prioritize comfort and efficiency. The launch event featured high-profile figures including H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand, alongside TAT officials and Air France executives, symbolizing strong bilateral cooperation in tourism development.
Central to TAT’s strategy is leveraging partnerships with prominent airlines like Air France to boost high-value French tourist arrivals. France remains a significant and stable source market for Thailand, distinguished by travelers who tend to return frequently and seek luxury and experience-based tourism. Phuket, with its renowned luxury resorts and spectacular natural scenery, is an optimal gateway to captivate French visitors who favor sustainable and adventure-rich travel experiences. By establishing this direct connection, Thailand aims to deepen engagement with affluent tourists, enhancing the quality and sustainability of inbound tourism while supporting local economic growth.
From Air France’s perspective, the Paris-Phuket flight is a notable expansion of their Thai network, complementing their existing twice-daily service to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Operated with Boeing 777-200 aircraft, this thrice-weekly winter route strengthens the airline’s presence and offers greater flexibility for travelers. Both TAT and Air France are jointly promoting Thailand through an integrated digital marketing campaign targeted at the French market, capitalizing on the upward trend of French visitors. From January to November 2025, Thailand recorded over 727,000 French arrivals—a 13.51% increase year-on-year—with projections nearing 846,000 by the end of the year. Besides Phuket and Bangkok, popular destinations among French tourists also include Krabi and Surat Thani, reflecting the broadening appeal of Thailand’s diverse travel experiences.
In conclusion, the launch of Air France’s Paris-Phuket direct flight represents a pivotal development in strengthening Thailand’s sustainable, experience-driven tourism framework by improving long-haul air connectivity and expanding access to premium traveler segments, thereby reinforcing Thailand’s position as a top-tier destination for French tourists.
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