Flight AF156, operated with a Boeing 777-200 carrying up to 328 passengers, touched down at 9:25am at Phuket International Airport, where senior Thai and French officials joined tourism partners for a welcome ceremony.
Attendees included French Ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, TAT Europe Regional Director Suladda Sarutilawan, Phuket Airport Director Monchai Tanode, Air France SEA & Oceania General Manager Femke Kroese and TAT Phuket Office Director Siriwan Siharat.
Ms Suladda said the new service reinforces TAT’s strategy of expanding airline partnerships to boost Thailand’s long-haul segments, particularly the French market, which consistently ranks among Thailand’s top five revenue-generating European source markets.
“The Paris-Phuket route supports our aim to grow high-value, quality tourism,” she said. “Phuket’s luxury products – from wellness and spas to yachting and world-class marine attractions – align closely with the preferences of French travellers. This direct service will increase arrivals while reinforcing Thailand’s reputation for sustainable, high-standard tourism experiences.”
According to TAT, French travellers are among the most valuable long-haul visitors. Between Jan 1 and Nov 23, Thailand recorded 710,968 French arrivals, up 13.8% year-on-year. Most were first-time, independent travellers with high average spending of B58,611 per person per trip and long stays averaging 17.22 days. Popular destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani. TAT forecasts 846,000 French arrivals by the end of 2025.
Ms Kroese said the new Phuket service marks “an important step” in strengthening connectivity for French visitors seeking direct access to southern Thailand.
“Phuket is Air France’s second Thai destination on our winter schedule,” she said. “We are committed to offering convenient, safe travel and an exceptional experience throughout the journey. With three weekly flights, we believe this route will open more travel opportunities and allow visitors to fully explore Phuket’s natural beauty and cultural richness.”
Air France already operates two daily year-round Paris-Bangkok flights. The new Paris-Phuket service will run three times a week until the end of March 2026, departing Paris on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with return flights from Phuket on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
To support the launch, TAT has partnered with Air France on the ‘Air France Digital Campaign Inspirational Gold Package’, using the airline’s online platforms to promote Thai destinations and strengthen brand visibility in the French market.
TAT says the expanded connectivity will further position Phuket as a premium destination for long-haul travellers, supporting the province’s broader strategy to attract luxury tourism and sustainable, high-spending segments.