Air France is adjusting its long-haul network across the United States with the addition of two new nonstop routes and the withdrawal of one existing seasonal service. The carrier will operate flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to both San Diego International Airport and Nashville International Airport beginning in May 2027, each running three times weekly. These changes reflect a reallocation of aircraft capacity rather than an overall reduction in service to the region. ([1])
Service Details for the New Routes
The San Diego route is scheduled to begin on May 3, 2027, with flights operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Nashville service follows on May 14, 2027, using the same three-day schedule. Both routes will be operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured with business class, premium economy, extra-legroom economy and standard economy cabins. The airline has assigned flight number AF46 to the Nashville route, a deliberate reference to the birth year of country music icon Dolly Parton.
Capacity Shift Away from Denver
Seasonal flights between Paris and Denver International Airport will conclude after October 10 of this year and will not return in 2027. An Air France spokesperson confirmed that the capacity previously used on the Denver route is being redirected to other services, resulting in no net loss of seats across the broader U.S. market. United Airlines plans to fill part of the gap with its own daily nonstop service from Denver to Paris starting May 27, 2027, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Context Within the Delta Joint Venture
Air France maintains a close commercial partnership with Delta Air Lines, along with KLM and Virgin Atlantic, that covers transatlantic operations. The carriers coordinate schedules, fares and other commercial elements under this joint venture. Delta has separately announced at least three new routes to Europe for 2027, including service from Austin to Paris, Boston to Venice and Detroit to Athens. These moves illustrate ongoing network adjustments among the partner airlines as they respond to demand patterns and aircraft availability.
Implications for Passengers and Airports
Travelers in San Diego and Nashville will gain convenient one-stop access to Paris and onward connections across the Air France and SkyTeam networks. The thrice-weekly frequency provides regular options without daily service, which may suit leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic particularly well. Denver passengers lose a direct seasonal option but gain daily United service on a comparable schedule. Airports involved can expect modest increases in international passenger volumes at San Diego and Nashville, while Denver shifts reliance to the new United flight for nonstop European access. The adjustments underscore how airlines continually fine-tune long-haul schedules to balance aircraft utilization, competitive positioning and seasonal demand across multiple gateways.
