Travel trends are changing, and airlines around the world are pivoting their focus. Take Air Canada as a prime example. The airline has boldly cancelled flights to warm U.S. destinations like Jacksonville, Florida. Replacing its dipping U.S. travel, Air Canada is looking elsewhere. The airline is seeing a boom in its South America flights. The increase has been welcomed, along with a surge in domestic flights as well.

As summer passes, Air France is now looking toward the winter, making adjustments of its own. Air France just announced some key changes, particularly in Canada. In truth, the adjustments shouldn’t be viewed as a big deal, but given the current trends and tension around the world, travelers are looking at this move much more closely than usual.

Here’s a look at Air France’s changes in Canada, and the adjustments they have also made in the United States for this year.

Air France Has Decided To Cut Back On Winter Routes For Vancouver And Ottawa

Air France remains one of the busiest airlines in the world, with nearly 190 destinations serving 74 different countries. The summer is yet another busy one for the airline, operating 900 flights per day between April and October. This equals almost 190 destinations around the world.

The airline continues to make key advancements, upping its long-haul network to 87 destinations, a 4% capacity increase. With the summer quickly passing by, Air France is making adjustments to its winter schedule.

Unfortunately for Canadians, this means a reduction for major cities, including Vancouver and Ottawa. The Vancouver changes are minor and not concerning at all. However, the Ottawa adjustment is a much bigger deal given how crucial the connection to Paris-Charles de Gaulle is for those in Ottawa trying to get to Europe.

Let us explain.

Air France Plane. 

Starting with Vancouver, Air France has announced a minor reduction this winter. The Paris-Vancouver route has now been reduced to five flights per week. The understanding is that Air France made the change due to demand patterns during the winter months. Following the summer, demands tend to get lower. Although those in Vancouver won’t have daily flights to choose from, five are still plenty during what is considered to be the off-season for most travelers.

As for the Ottawa route, this is a lot more problematic.

The Paris-Ottawa route is the only direct European connection operating from Ottawa during the winter months. During the summertime, this particular route operates daily and holds a lot of value as a connection to Europe. However, as of November 2025, a significant change will take place with only four flights per week between Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).​​​​​​​

This leaves travelers with fewer options when flying to Europe, and perhaps adds complications to the itinerary. There is some good news, though. As of December, Air France will increase flights back to six per week.

Air France hasn’t issued any statement over the changes. However, experts believe there is no need to panic, and the adjustments made are just seasonal shifts as the airline listens to demands. Still, reactions have been mixed over the decision.

Canadians Are Split Over Air France’s Decision, Especially When It Relates To Ottawa

Given the current travel trends, Canadians are left confused over the decision. With Canadians boycotting travel to the United States, Europe has been a primary replacement for Canadians, especially in recent times.

One concerned traveler wrote, “Just an observation, but I think this is a good time to retain as many convenient connections between Canada and Europe, as travel patterns may be changing, as Canadians move away from US travel.”

Other users made mention that Air France might just be cutting down costs while listening to the market.

Another user called this adjustment common. They wrote, “Pretty common for airlines to do this during low usage periods, doesn’t seem worth reporting on…”

A large portion of travelers believe the reduction has been overblown and isn’t a big deal. It could have been frustrating for the holiday season in December, but Air France wisely adjusted the volume of flights for the month. In reality, it isn’t too alarming.

​​​​​​​Though Canadians might be boiling up inside, given that Air France has increased elsewhere, including the United States.

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Air France Announced Expansion Elsewhere, Including The United States

Air France has announced new direct routes. Among the new routes include Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Orlando (Florida).

New La Première suite perks will also be rolling on trips to New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda.

Charles de Gaulle Airport – Paris – France

Air France announced other major expansion in America. Among the adjustments include increases in New York, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Air France’s U.S. Expansion:

• Seventh daily flight will be added between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York JFK.
• Paris-Charles de Gaulle – Phoenix (Arizona) route, increased to 5 weekly flights.
• Paris-Charles de Gaulle – Papeete (French Polynesia) via Los Angeles (California) becomes a daily service.

The Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York JFK route in particular will feature five of the seven flights equipped with La Première. This cabin perk is only available on select flights.

Air France has also added flights to South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

Let us know your thoughts on Air France’s recent changes. Are Canadians making too big of a deal over the recent alterations made to the Ottawa and Vancouver routes? Chime in down below.