Air France revealed on 26 January 2026 that it will operate special Boeing 777-300ER services linking Los Angeles (LAX) and New York-JFK directly with Nice Côte d’Azur to coincide with two flagship business-tourism events on the French Riviera. Flights AF041/040 will run on 11 and 25 May, bracketing the 79ᵗʰ Cannes Film Festival (12–23 May 2026), while AF043/042 will serve the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (20–26 June 2026).
The limited-edition routes provide a nonstop option for Hollywood studios, advertising agencies and high-net-worth individuals who normally connect via Paris. Premium demand is expected to be strong: the aircraft will feature Air France’s new La Première suites—fully enclosed cabins with lie-flat beds, 32-inch 4K screens and on-board fine dining—that the carrier is progressively deploying across its long-haul network. Business-class and economy travellers will also gain a time-saving alternative to rail or domestic flights from Paris.
![Air France Announces One-Off Non-Stop Flights from Los Angeles and New York to Nice for Cannes Festivals]()
From a mobility perspective, multinational firms sending delegations to Cannes could shave up to four hours off total travel time and avoid potential bottlenecks at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. The direct flights also mitigate the risk of luggage misconnection for production equipment and promotional material—an increasingly important factor given recent baggage-handling shortages.
International delegates who may need entry paperwork can streamline the process by using VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/france/). The service guides applicants through each step of obtaining a Schengen visa, offers document checking and expedited courier options, and ensures filmmakers, advertisers and support crews arrive on the Riviera with one less logistical worry.
Seat inventory opened today on GDS and the Air France website, with return economy fares starting around €890 from New York and €1,290 from Los Angeles; La Première return fares exceed €9,000 but include chauffeur service and lounge access. Travel-management companies advise booking early, as capacity is limited to two rotations per city. The move underscores France’s strategy of leveraging flagship cultural and business events to drive inbound premium travel outside Paris.
The limited-edition routes provide a nonstop option for Hollywood studios, advertising agencies and high-net-worth individuals who normally connect via Paris. Premium demand is expected to be strong: the aircraft will feature Air France’s new La Première suites—fully enclosed cabins with lie-flat beds, 32-inch 4K screens and on-board fine dining—that the carrier is progressively deploying across its long-haul network. Business-class and economy travellers will also gain a time-saving alternative to rail or domestic flights from Paris.
From a mobility perspective, multinational firms sending delegations to Cannes could shave up to four hours off total travel time and avoid potential bottlenecks at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. The direct flights also mitigate the risk of luggage misconnection for production equipment and promotional material—an increasingly important factor given recent baggage-handling shortages.
International delegates who may need entry paperwork can streamline the process by using VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/france/). The service guides applicants through each step of obtaining a Schengen visa, offers document checking and expedited courier options, and ensures filmmakers, advertisers and support crews arrive on the Riviera with one less logistical worry.
Seat inventory opened today on GDS and the Air France website, with return economy fares starting around €890 from New York and €1,290 from Los Angeles; La Première return fares exceed €9,000 but include chauffeur service and lounge access. Travel-management companies advise booking early, as capacity is limited to two rotations per city. The move underscores France’s strategy of leveraging flagship cultural and business events to drive inbound premium travel outside Paris.
