Air France Adds Gatwick Route & Special Cardiff Flights for Six Nations Rugby
Air France is clearly feeling adventurous for 2026, because not only is it adding a brand-new London Gatwick route, it’s also sending in reinforcements for one of Europe’s greatest annual traditions: rugby fans invading airports with unshakeable optimism and extremely questionable face paint.
Paris–Gatwick Takes Off in March
Starting 29 March 2026, Air France will run two daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and London Gatwick — perfect for anyone who wants a Parisian getaway without fighting for elbow room at Heathrow.
The flights will be operated by the sleek Airbus A220, which is basically the aviation equivalent of a really well-behaved houseguest: quiet, efficient and doesn’t drink all your wine.
Flight times (local), for the planners among us:
Paris → Gatwick:
- 09:20–09:30
- 15:45–15:55
Gatwick → Paris:
- 10:30–12:40
- 17:10–19:20
With Gatwick’s rail links — Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern — you can be in central London so fast you might actually beat your own luggage.
This new service joins Air France’s six daily Heathrow flights, bringing the airline’s London total to eight flights a day. That’s practically a shuttle service… or a very chic form of commuting.
If you need help with your next event, incentive, meeting, conference or group to London, please
Cardiff Gets Extra Love for the Six Nations
Now for the fun part: rugby.
Air France will run 12 special flights between Paris-CDG and Cardiff from 13–16 February 2026, just in time for the Six Nations madness.
These flights are for fans who:
- love rugby
- love travel
- and love the idea of singing in airports before noon
Whether you’re supporting France, Wales, or simply the concept of holiday beer, these flights have your name on them.
Strengthening the UK Lineup
Air France already operates up to 300 weekly flights to six UK cities. The new Gatwick route and the Cardiff rugby specials show just how much the airline is doubling down on the UK market — clearly deciding we’re worth the effort, chaos and weather.
With Paris–Gatwick launching and Cardiff getting its own rugby airlift, 2026 is shaping up to be a pretty lively year for Air France in the UK. Pack your scarves, pack your snacks — and if you’re heading to the Six Nations, maybe pack some throat lozenges too.
