Yes — if you want a full-service carrier that skips the Gulf entirely. Air France routes everything through Paris, so your flight never touches closed Iranian, Iraqi, or Gulf airspace.
But its own Gulf routes stay suspended. Here’s what’s flying.
Where Is Air France Flying Right Now?
Routes Currently Suspended
Air France has extended its Gulf and Levant suspensions deep into 2026. As of early June, the picture is:
- Dubai (DXB), Tel Aviv (TLV), Bahrain (BAH), and Amman (AMM) — suspended until at least 25 October 2026
- Riyadh (RUH) — cut to one daily flight from 8 August 2026
- Doha (DOH) — cut to one daily flight from 1 August 2026
- Beirut (BEY) — suspended, resumption under review
- Jeddah (JED) — permanently discontinued
These dates have been pushed back repeatedly. Air France points to continued airspace restrictions and high jet-fuel costs, and says any resumption stays subject to ongoing assessment. Check the official Air France travel alert page for the latest dates.
The Gulf disruption deepened on 3 June 2026, when a drone and missile attack damaged a terminal at Kuwait International Airport, killing one person and briefly closing the country’s airspace. Most foreign carriers there remain suspended, with only Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways running limited flights — see our Kuwait travel advisory for the current position.
Routes Still Operating Normally
The rest of Air France’s long-haul network is running largely as planned, and for summer 2026 the airline is expanding capacity to Asia. From Paris CDG, this includes:
- India: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru
- Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, and Phuket
- East Asia: Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Shanghai
- Africa: a large network including Abidjan, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Dakar
Air France has added larger aircraft and extra frequencies on several Asian routes to absorb travellers displaced by Gulf cancellations. For summer 2026 it is serving nearly 170 destinations across 73 countries.
Why Paris CDG Works as an Alternative Hub
It Completely Avoids Gulf Airspace
The core advantage is geographic. Paris sits well north of the conflict zone, so flights from CDG to Asia track over Central Asia or the northern route — avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Gulf airspace entirely.
That means fewer last-minute cancellations and more predictable scheduling, a real relief for travellers whose Gulf-carrier bookings have been disrupted more than once.
SkyTeam Connections Expand Your Options
Air France is a founding member of SkyTeam, an alliance serving over 1,000 destinations. If Air France can’t get you somewhere directly, a partner airline often can. Key partners include:
- KLM — Air France’s sister airline, with parallel routes via Amsterdam
- Kenya Airways — connecting through Nairobi
- Garuda Indonesia — for Southeast Asian connections
- Delta Air Lines — for transatlantic connections
Flying Blue miles earned on Air France work across the whole SkyTeam network, so building and redeeming points stays simple even when your usual airline is grounded.
Do You Need a Transit Visa for Paris?
The short answer: it depends on your nationality. If you’re connecting between two non-Schengen flights and staying airside at CDG, most nationalities do not need a visa — you simply walk between gates.
However, nationals of certain countries need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even to transit airside. These include travellers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. If that’s you, apply before travelling and check the nearest French embassy or consulate for current processing times.
What CDG Offers in Transit
CDG is one of Europe’s largest hubs. Air France passengers transit through Terminals 2E, 2F, and 2G, with long-haul flights typically using 2E. You’ll find Air France lounges, rest zones, free Wi-Fi, an automated shuttle between terminals, and a transit hotel (YotelAir) in 2E for longer layovers.
Fares, Baggage, and What to Expect on Board
Fare Classes
Air France offers four long-haul cabins: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and La Première (first class, on select routes). Fares from South and Southeast Asia to Europe via CDG are generally competitive with other European carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways. With Gulf-carrier fares spiking on the few routes still running, Air France’s pricing is more comparable than usual.
Baggage Allowance
| Luggage | Economy Light | Economy Standard | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 1 × 12 kg | 1 × 12 kg | 2 × 18 kg | 2 × 18 kg |
| Personal item | 1 (40×30×15 cm) | 1 (40×30×15 cm) | 1 (40×30×15 cm) | 1 (40×30×15 cm) |
| Checked bags | None | 1 × 23 kg | 2 × 23 kg | 2 × 32 kg |
All checked bags must not exceed 158 cm in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Note for Gulf travellers: if you’re used to the 30–35 kg allowances common on Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, Air France’s Economy Standard 23 kg may feel tight. Consider Premium Economy for the extra bag, or buy added allowance at booking.
On-Board Experience
Business class has fully flat seats on most widebody aircraft, while Premium Economy offers a wider seat with more legroom and enhanced meals. Economy is standard for a European full-service carrier — complimentary meals and drinks, seatback entertainment, and USB charging at every seat. It’s a step above low-cost carriers, if not at the level of the Gulf “big three” in Economy.
If Your Air France Flight Is Cancelled
If your Air France flight to the Gulf or Levant is cancelled, you can rebook for free or claim a full refund — and as an EU carrier flying from an EU hub, Air France also owes you care and assistance while you wait. For the full step-by-step on refunds, vouchers, the Athens alternative for Tel Aviv, and your EU261 rights, read our dedicated guide on what to do if your Air France flight is cancelled.
The Bottom Line: Is Air France the Right Alternative for You?
Air France Is a Good Fit If You:
- Need to fly between Asia and Europe and your Gulf-carrier connection has been cancelled — CDG offers a northern alternative that avoids all affected airspace
- Value EU passenger protections — EU261 gives you strong refund and care rights
- Are a SkyTeam/Flying Blue member — you’ll earn miles and have seamless connection options if rebooking is needed
- Want a full-service experience — complimentary meals, checked baggage on Standard fares and above, and a premium cabin on every long-haul flight
- Are connecting to or from Africa — Air France has the largest European network to West and Central Africa, unaffected by the Gulf crisis
Air France Is NOT the Right Choice If You:
- Need to reach Dubai, Riyadh, or elsewhere in the Gulf — Air France’s Gulf routes are suspended into late 2026, so it can’t get you there right now
- Are on a strict budget — fares run higher than budget carriers. If cost is the priority, compare flights to Delhi or Mumbai on Wego
- Need a French transit visa and can’t get one quickly — processing time may make this route impractical for urgent travel
- Prefer direct Gulf flights — the CDG connection adds a stop and typically 2–4 extra hours
For travellers who’d normally connect through Dubai or Doha to reach Asia, Africa, or Europe, Air France is a proven full-service alternative with strong passenger protections. It’s not the cheapest, and the CDG connection adds time — but where reliability matters more than price, it’s one of the safer bets in the sky right now.
Search for flights to Paris or check live flight status on Wego to compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Air France get me to Dubai right now?
No. Air France has suspended flights to and from Dubai until at least 25 October 2026 due to Gulf airspace restrictions. For Dubai-bound travel, check Wego for airlines still running limited service.
What if my Air France flight is cancelled?
You can rebook for free or claim a full cash refund, and you’re entitled to care and assistance under EU261. Our Air France cancellation guide walks through every step.
Do I need a visa to transit through Paris CDG?
Most nationalities can transit through CDG’s international zone without a visa. However, nationals of certain countries — including Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — need a French Airport Transit Visa even for airside connections. Check with the nearest French consulate.
How does Air France compare to KLM for the same routes?
Air France and KLM are sister airlines in the Air France-KLM Group, sharing booking systems and the Flying Blue programme. KLM routes you through Amsterdam Schiphol instead of CDG — same idea, different hub. Both are solid crisis alternatives, so compare times and fares for your route.
Am I entitled to EU261 compensation for a crisis cancellation?
You’re entitled to a full refund, rebooking, and care (meals, hotel) under EU261. However, the €250–€600 cash compensation is unlikely for crisis cancellations, as armed conflict and government-ordered airspace closures count as “extraordinary circumstances” that exempt airlines from that payment.
Sources
- Air France — Security Situation in the Near and Middle East (Official Flash Alert)
- Air France Corporate — 2026 Summer Schedule
- The National — Middle East Flight Updates (2 June 2026)
- Al Jazeera — Drone Attack on Kuwait’s Main Airport (3 June 2026)
- Bloomberg — Kuwait Airport Partially Resumes Flights After Attack
- NPR — Kuwait Airport Hit as Ceasefire Is Tested (3 June 2026)
- France.fr — Customs and Visas (Official French Government)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
