The airline will operate a series of services from 13–16 February 2026, giving rugby fans and romantics alike a chance to swap the scrum for the Seine. These flights mark a rare direct link between Wales and the French capital, introduced specifically to coincide with the Wales v France Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 15 February, while also offering Welsh travellers a seamless escape to the City of Love.
Match day meets moonlight
Cardiff Airport says the flights are designed to serve two key moments in the calendar — the rugby and Valentine’s Day — with direct access to Paris‑Charles de Gaulle and onward connections to Air France’s global network.
For travelling French supporters, it’s the easiest way to reach Cardiff and soak up the match day atmosphere. For Welsh couples, it’s a chance to turn the weekend into a romantic getaway — with sunset strolls along the Seine, champagne at the Eiffel Tower, and stylish bars perfect for cheering on Wales from abroad.
Flight schedule
Paris to Cardiff
- 13 Feb: AF4148 departs 17:00, arrives 17:30
- 14 Feb: AF4148 departs 14:00, arrives 14:30
- 15 Feb: AF4148 departs 08:00, arrives 08:30
- 15 Feb: AF4150 departs 19:40, arrives 20:10
- 16 Feb: AF4148 departs 08:00, arrives 08:30
- 16 Feb: AF4150 departs 16:30, arrives 17:00
Cardiff to Paris
- 13 Feb: AF4149 departs 18:20, arrives 20:50
- 14 Feb: AF4149 departs 15:20, arrives 17:50
- 15 Feb: AF4149 departs 09:20, arrives 11:50
- 15 Feb: AF4151 departs 21:00, arrives 23:30
- 16 Feb: AF4149 departs 09:20, arrives 11:50
- 16 Feb: AF4151 departs 17:50, arrives 20:20
Tickets are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents.
Airport boss: “There’s more to come from Cardiff”
Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said:
“We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”
Global connections and greener flying
Air France says the special services plug Welsh travellers straight into its worldwide network, with easy connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The airline also highlighted its sustainability goals — aiming to cut CO₂ emissions per passenger‑kilometre by 30% by 2030, backed by new fuel‑efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel.
Cardiff–Paris: a one‑off or the start of something bigger?
Air France is part of the Air France–KLM Group, which already runs regular flights between Cardiff and Amsterdam via its Dutch partner KLM. The Amsterdam route offers Welsh travellers daily access to over 160 global destinations — and now, with Paris introduced for Six Nations and Valentine’s weekend, the question is whether this could become a more permanent fixture.
Swansea Bay News has contacted Air France to ask whether a year‑round Cardiff–Paris service is being considered. The airline has not yet confirmed any plans beyond the February dates, but the move has sparked fresh interest in expanding direct links between Wales and mainland Europe.
