DENVER – July 2, 2021 – Today, Air France became DEN’s 24th airline and 11th foreign flag carrier with the start of nonstop service to Paris-Charles De Gaulle (CDG) from Denver International Airport (DEN). A Boeing 787-9 aircraft filled with excited passengers departed DEN for the inaugural flight.
“Denver’s international reach continues to grow as Air France’s nonstop flight to Paris marks the 15th international destination to be added at DEN in the last ten years,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Our ability to attract a new international airline during a pandemic, speaks to the strength of our City and our airport and we are excited to welcome Air France. This flight will not only help connect passengers and businesses to Europe and beyond, but it is expected to create up to 150 new jobs and generate up to $16.5 million for Colorado’s economy.”
Flights are scheduled to operate three days per week through Oct. 29. Air France will join SkyTeam Alliance members Delta and Aeromexico at DEN, marking the first time a SkyTeam Alliance carrier will connect Denver nonstop with Europe.
“The launch of Air France service from Denver, our 12th destination in the U.S., reaffirms our belief that people are eager to travel again and want to do so with an airline committed to the highest standards of safety and service,” said Stéphane Ormand, Vice President and General Manager, USA for Air France KLM. “We look forward to connecting Denver to our global network via Paris- Charles de Gaulle, offering passengers a gateway to close to 200 destinations this summer. We hope travel restrictions in U.S. will also be lifted soon to be able to give tourists from Europe and beyond the opportunity to experience and explore Denver and its surrounding areas. We believe in the potential of this route because of Denver’s dynamic economy and outstanding outdoor recreation which appeals to tourists from around the world.”
Recently, the U.S. was added to the EU’s “green list,” which allows fully vaccinated American travelers to enter without submitting a negative COVID-19 PCR test or going into quarantine. Non-vaccinated American travelers are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test with result taken within 72 hours of departure and they do not have to quarantine.
“Prior to the pandemic, Paris was Denver’s second-largest market in Europe after London and we have no doubt, that as more travel restrictions are lifted, will see an influx of Denverites exploring Paris using this convenient nonstop flight,” said DEN CEO Kim Day. “We also know that travelers from France love to visit our National Parks and outdoor recreation and we are excited to share our beautiful city and region with the world once our borders fully open to European travelers.”