Air France-KLM Reorganizes and Optimizes Paris Operations

Air France-KLM Group has announced a reorganization of their Paris operations in a move that plays tom the strengths of each of the Group’s airlines. 

With Air France-KLM Group's Paris Reorganization, Transavia Now Controls 50 Percent of the Slots at Paris Orly Airport - Courtesy Air France-KLM Group

On Thursday (April 9, 2026), Air France-KLM Group announced that Air France has consolidated all domestic and international departures from Paris at Charles de Gaulle Airport (with the exception of some Corsica routes operated under a French public service obligation), while Transavia has firmly established itself as the Group’s reference operator at Paris-Orly. With this move, Air France-KLM is continuing to roll out, via Transavia, a new competitive low-cost product. By taking over the slots previously operated by Air France, Transavia now holds 50 percent of all slots at Paris Orly.

The company’s goal is to create a clearer and more efficient structure, one in which each Group airline operates where they are best suited.  Air France will concentrate on their global CDG hub, offering passengers seamless connections to nearly 170 destinations worldwide, while Transavia will expand their well-connected point-to-point model.  Transavia currently operates over 436 routes throughout France, Europe, the UK, Africa, and the Middle East.

By consolidating operations at Charles de Gaulle, Air France will enhance travel options for customers and strengthen their business model.  Frequencies to Marseille, Nice, and Toulouse have been bolstered, and long-haul flights to the overseas territories, including Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Saint-Denis de la Réunion will now benefit from significantly improved connections across the Air France-KLM network.  This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Air France’s hub strategy at Charles de Gaulle, a model introduced in the mid-1990s that has shaped the airline’s trajectory ever since.   

Transavia marked a start of a significant expansion on March 29, 2026, launching three additional domestic routes from Paris-Orly, with up to eight daily flights to Toulouse, eight daily flights to Nice, and two daily flights to Marseille, making Transavia the largest airline at Orly.  Additionally, starting in May, eligible customers will soon have access to a dedicated lounge at Orly, greater scheduling flexibility, and crews long recognized for their quality of service, combined with the competitive fares that have made Transavia a compelling choice for today’s cost-conscious travelers.

Transavia has also enhanced their offer for frequent business and leisure travelers who have long flown on these routes. The carrier has expanded their ‘Max’ fare to include same-day flexibility and dedicated lounge access.  Transavia customers also fully benefit from Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM Group’s award-winning loyalty program.  Additionally, Air France continues to grow their Engineering & Maintenance facilities at Paris-Orly, supporting around 2,700 full-time jobs.

This reorganization reflects how Air France-KLM operates, with each airline in the Group performing best when they are deeply rooted in a platform where they can fully express their strengths.  Just as Air France has developed a powerful hub at Charles de Gaulle, KLM has done the same at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol airport, where they serve over 170 destinations.  The Group also looks forward to welcoming SAS and further developing their Copenhagen hub.

Source: Air France-KLM Group