Release date: 
Thursday, February 2, 2023

The Ottawa International Airport Authority is thrilled to share that Air France is introducing non-stop service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in summer 2023. The airline confirmed earlier today that it will operate five weekly flights on its Airbus A330-200 beginning June 27, 2023.

Flight schedules (local times):

AF328: Leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:10, arrives in Ottawa at 15:05
AF327: Leaves Ottawa at 17:05, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle the following day at 06:15

This announcement will mark the first trans-Atlantic service from YOW since early 2020, and will be welcome news for both business and leisure travellers in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Quotes:

“As one of the world's leading airlines, we applaud Air France for capitalizing on the substantial demand for non-stop YOW-Europe service. Not only is Paris a long-standing popular destination for residents and business travellers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Air France's global connectivity from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is world-renowned, with connections to Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and beyond. This is also welcome news for our visitor economy as Ottawa, the Outaouais region, and Canada at large will benefit from the inbound tourism opportunities this route creates.”

Mark Laroche, President and CEO
Ottawa International Airport Authority

"We are truly excited to welcome Air France to Ottawa. This new service linking Ottawa and Paris will make it even easier for visitors from France and other key overseas markets to travel to Canada's capital. They may be coming to visit friends and family, to attend a conference or sporting event, or simply to experience our celebrated cultural gems and easy access to nature. Regardless of the reasons for travel, we know that the tourism and hospitality businesses in our community are ready to warmly welcome these visitors, in both official languages." 

Michael Crockatt, President and CEO
Ottawa Tourism

“Outaouais Tourism is excited to see our connectivity expand and bring Gatineau and the Outaouais closer to major cities around the world with this new direct service to the Ottawa Airport from the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This will mean greater and easier access to our beautiful region, and will certainly give a boost to the tourism industry on both sides of the river.”

Julie Kinnear, President and CEO
Tourisme Outaouais

“Ottawa’s unique blend of cultural and outdoor attractions offers our guests from France and beyond the perfect gateway to Canada.  We are a nation that is open like no other country - our international guests will have unforgettable encounters with open-hearted people and spaces that free the mind. This new route is an invitation to enjoy enriching experiences – whether you are travelling for pleasure, business, or a major event. Through a marketing partnership with Air France, we’ll work to ensure this seasonal route is well supported and a big success.  Welcome to our capital, Air France.”

Marsha Walden, President and CEO
Destination Canada

“The Ottawa Board of Trade is thrilled to have a new non-stop flight from our Nation’s Capital to such an important European market, to support our economic growth agenda. Business leaders have long identified increased air access to YOW as a key driver for new investment, talent attraction and expanding our visitor economy, which impacts every form of economic development. The pandemic has further challenged these key pillars of growth. Today’s announcement signals good things to come. We encourage all business and community leaders to use and promote the new route widely to ensure its success and our ability to attract more air service moving forward. Congratulations and thank you to our leaders at the Ottawa International Airport for your determination and passion. Welcome to Ottawa, Air France! We can’t wait!”

Sueling Ching, President and CEO
Ottawa Board of Trade

“This is the air service news our community has been asking for. It’s vital that we support YOW’s non-stop service so that we can continue to connect the entire Ottawa-Gatineau region with Paris, all of France, and beyond. This also offers our businesses easy access to opportunities throughout Europe.“

Stéphane Bisson, President
Gatineau Chamber of Commerce

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