Air France Launches Nonstop Paris Flights to Nashville and San Diego for Summer 2027
Air France will introduce nonstop Airbus A350-900 flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Nashville and San Diego starting May 2027, expanding its United States network to 20 destinations.
Air France connects Paris-Charles de Gaulle non-stop with Nashville and San Diego aboard Airbus A350-900 aircraft starting May 2027.
In a witty nod to American musical royalty, Air France assigned flight number AF046 to its new Paris-to-Nashville route—honoring 1946, the birth year of country icon Dolly Parton. Announced on October 8, 2026, Air France is expanding its United States footprint to 20 destinations during the summer 2027 season with brand-new direct transatlantic services connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Operating three times weekly aboard widebody Airbus A350-900 aircraft, tickets officially open for worldwide reservation on October 14, 2026.
The double launch marks a major milestone in transatlantic route diversification. Air France becomes the only airline offering nonstop flights between continental Europe and Tennessee’s music capital, while establishing a powerful Southern California dual-hub gateway in San Diego alongside sister carrier KLM’s existing service to Amsterdam Schiphol.
Nonstop Transatlantic Access for Tennessee and Southern California
Both long-haul routes operate throughout the summer scheduling window from May through October 2027 on dedicated Monday, Wednesday, and Friday rotations:
- San Diego (SAN) Route (Starts May 3, 2027):
- Flight AF058: Departs Paris-CDG at 10:10, arriving in San Diego at 12:50 local time (same day).
- Flight AF059: Departs San Diego at 15:10, landing at Paris-CDG at 11:05 the following morning.
- Network Integration: Pairs with KLM’s three-times-weekly Amsterdam-to-San Diego service, offering European travelers multi-hub access to Southern California beaches, Coronado Island, and La Jolla via the San Diego Tourism Authority.
- Nashville (BNA) Route (Starts May 14, 2027):
- Flight AF046: Departs Paris-CDG at 14:10, arriving in Nashville at 16:40 local time (same day).
- Flight AF047: Departs Nashville at 18:55, arriving in Paris-CDG at 10:15 the following morning.
- Music City Connectivity: Direct access for European cultural tourists exploring historic recording studios on Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Ryman Auditorium promoted through Visit Music City.
Air France Summer 2027 Transatlantic Schedule Matrix
| Route Sector | Flight Number | Departure Time (Local) | Arrival Time (Local) | Launch Date | Weekly Frequency | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (CDG) – San Diego (SAN) | AF058 | 10:10 | 12:50 (Same day) | May 3, 2027 | 3x (Mon, Wed, Fri) | Airbus A350-900 |
| San Diego (SAN) – Paris (CDG) | AF059 | 15:10 | 11:05 (+1 day) | May 3, 2027 | 3x (Mon, Wed, Fri) | Airbus A350-900 |
| Paris (CDG) – Nashville (BNA) | AF046 | 14:10 | 16:40 (Same day) | May 14, 2027 | 3x (Mon, Wed, Fri) | Airbus A350-900 |
| Nashville (BNA) – Paris (CDG) | AF047 | 18:55 | 10:15 (+1 day) | May 14, 2027 | 3x (Mon, Wed, Fri) | Airbus A350-900 |
Expanding the US Network to 20 Major Gateways
With the addition of Nashville and San Diego, Air France's summer 2027 American route portfolio encompasses 20 destinations across all geographic quadrants:
- East Coast & Northeast: Boston, New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Washington D.C.
- Southeast & Mid-Atlantic: Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Nashville
- Midwest: Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis
- South & Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix
- West Coast & Pacific: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego
Visitor Insider Tips for Travelers on New Air France Routes
Travelers planning transatlantic journeys from Nashville or San Diego can optimize their experience with practical insider tips:
- Book Early on October 14 for Award Seats: When Air France and Flying Blue open ticket sales on October 14, 2026, standard-rate Flying Blue Promo Rewards and saver award seats on the Airbus A350-900 in Business Class (featuring full-flat beds and direct aisle access) will become available across the May-to-October calendar.
- Nashville Airport (BNA) Transit Strategies: Nashville’s Grand Lobby in Terminal 1 features live musical performances and expedited TSA PreCheck lanes. If flying internationally, arrive two hours prior to the 18:55 departure to sample local hot chicken at Prince's or 400 Degrees inside Concourse C before boarding.
- San Diego (SAN) Terminal Logistics: Air France operations will utilize Terminal 2 International at San Diego. Because SAN sits just three miles from downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, rideshares take under 10 minutes outside rush hours.
- Connecting Through Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Flights from Nashville and San Diego dock at CDG Terminal 2E. If connecting onward to Italy, Greece, or southern France within the Schengen zone, allow at least 75 minutes of connection time to clear border passport control between Hall K, L, and M.
Cultural and Economic Diplomacy Across the Atlantic
The introduction of direct flights between Paris and Nashville links two distinct cultural capitals: Europe’s epicenter of gastronomy, fashion, and fine art with America's heartland of songwriting, bluegrass, and hospitality. For European visitors, skipping domestic connections in Atlanta or Charlotte makes exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, Memphis blues halls, and Nashville honky-tonks significantly more accessible.
In Southern California, direct Paris flights elevate San Diego’s growing stature as a global biotech research hub and premier Pacific coastal haven. By deploying modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft that burn 25% less fuel than previous-generation widebodies, Air France provides a sustainable transatlantic gateway linking regional American travelers with the cultural heritage of Europe.
FAQ: Air France Nashville and San Diego Routes 2027
When do direct Air France flights to San Diego and Nashville begin? Nonstop flights to San Diego begin on May 3, 2027, followed by Nashville on May 14, 2027, operating through October 2027.
On which days of the week will the new Air France flights operate? Both the Paris–San Diego and Paris–Nashville routes will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Which aircraft is used on the new Air France US routes? Air France will deploy its widebody Airbus A350-900 aircraft on both routes, featuring Business, Premium, and Economy cabins.
When do tickets go on sale for the new routes? Tickets for both Nashville and San Diego flights become available for booking on October 14, 2026.
From the honky-tonks of Broadway and the sun-drenched coves of La Jolla to the Seine, the Atlantic just became three non-stop flights narrower.
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