Air France is hours away from touching down in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) after a two-year pause. The resumption comes as the French flag carrier plans a record summer to the US, with 20% more flights than 2019.

First flight in two years touching down

At the time of writing, Air France flight AF146 is entering Canada to begin its southward journey toward Dallas-Fort Worth. The 'new' service departed Paris (CDG) Airport at 11:05 AM local time, almost an hour behind its 10:05 AM time. However, the flight has made up time in the sky and is scheduled to arrive at 14:07, just over 30 minutes delayed. Flight time on this route is 10 hours and 25 minutes.

This won't be an issue for the passengers on the return leg of this flight either. AF159 is scheduled to leave Dallas at 15:40 local time and land in Paris at 08:05 AM the next morning. With a bit of expedited ground handling, the flight should be away on time.

FR
The flight took a typical transatlantic path over the Atlantic before entering North America. Map and Data: FlightRadar24.com

Air France is planning to fly direct flights between Paris and Dallas five times weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The route is currently being served by the 280-seat Boeing 777-200ER but will eventually use the 787-9 for long-term services.

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Air France has a big US schedule

After two years of restricted flights due to border closures and restrictions, Air France is betting big on the US market this summer. 27th March marks the beginning of the IATA summer schedule, explaining why the airline is resuming two flights today. In total, the airline plans to fly to 14 destinations, with weekly frequencies up 20% compared to S19.

The destinations are:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wane County Airport (DTW)
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Washington D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Air France Boeing 787-9
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying.

The US loosened travel restrictions last winter and allows all travelers to enter if they are fully vaccinated and take a test within one day of departure. France allows travelers from the US to enter with just proof of being fully vaccinated and a negative for those who remain unvaccinated. While testing for the US is a hassle, the acceptance of antigen kits means costly PCRs are no longer a requirement.

Air France is one of several transatlantic giants that are working on rebuilding their North American schedules, which were previously the busiest and most profitable. For now, all eyes will be on traffic this coming summer.

What do you think about Air France's plans for the US? Let us know in the comments!