Where Air France Flies: An Overview of all Its 5th Freedom Routes

Air France operates an unusually high number of 5th freedom routes compared to other European carriers—flights between two countries outside of France. This unique position stems from France’s overseas territories scattered across the Caribbean, Pacific, and South America.

Air France’s A320 is often used for short-haul 5th freedom routes

These geopolitical outposts allow Air France to legally offer long-haul services between third-party countries under international aviation rights known as the “Freedoms of the Air.”

What Is a 5th Freedom Flight?

A 5th freedom flight allows an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries—neither of which is its home country—on a leg of a longer journey that starts or ends in its home country. For example, Air France might fly from Paris to Papeete via Los Angeles and sell tickets just for the Los Angeles–Papeete leg.

These rights are granted under international agreements, and they differ from 2nd Freedom flights, which only permit technical stops (e.g., for refueling or maintenance) in third countries—without picking up or dropping off passengers.

Air France’s far-reaching overseas departments give it access to more such routes than most competitors. While its route map includes many connections between third countries (like Bamako–Conakry, Bangui–Yaoundé, and Abuja–N’Djamena), not all of them operate under official 5th freedom rights or offer tickets for those individual segments.

1. Fort-de-France (FDF) – Cayenne (CAY)

Distance: 893 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

This year-round connection links the Caribbean to South America, specifically Martinique to French Guiana. Air France operates the route daily with its Caribbean-based A320s. Economy class starts at 15,000 Flying Blue miles plus $56, while Business Class is available from 25,000 miles plus approximately $76.

---

2. Cayenne (CAY) – Fortaleza (FOR)

Distance: 1,130 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

A recent addition in April 2025, this once-weekly flight connects French Guiana to Brazil’s northeastern coast. It’s flown Tuesdays from Cayenne and Wednesdays from Fortaleza. One-way redemptions start at 18,000 miles in Economy and 25,000 miles in Business, with higher-than-average taxes ($94 Economy / $165 Business).

---

3. Los Angeles (LAX) – Papeete (PPT)

Distance: 4,095 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

Air France’s longest 5th freedom route connects Los Angeles with Tahiti, part of a service originating in Paris. The journey takes 8–9 hours and is ideal for mileage redemptions. Flying Blue prices start at 35,000 miles in Economy and 90,000 in Business (one-way), although occasional promos go as low as 30,000 miles + $97 (Economy) and 85,000 miles + $228 (Business). Availability is generally better on the return leg from Tahiti to LAX, though slightly more expensive at $275 in taxes and fees.

---

4. Montreal (YUL) – Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP)

Distance: 2,133 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

This seasonal winter route runs twice weekly between Canada and Guadeloupe, served by Air France’s local Caribbean A320 fleet. Flying Blue rates start at 40,000 miles for Economy and 115,000 miles for Business, with taxes around $52.

---

5. Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) – Fort-de-France (FDF)

Distance: 120 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

This short intra-Caribbean hop between Guadeloupe and Martinique—both French overseas departments—costs 10,000 miles (Economy) or 25,000 miles (Business), with taxes of $48 and $72, respectively.

---

6. Cayenne (CAY) – Belém (BEL)

Distance: 504 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

Since May 2023, Air France has extended its Caribbean reach deeper into Brazil with this weekly flight. A second weekly frequency is planned for November 2025. Redemption rates start at 13,500 miles (Economy) and 25,000 miles (Business), with taxes of $82 and $153.

---

7. Miami (MIA) – Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP)

Distance: 1,376 miles

Aircraft: Airbus A320

Guadeloupe also links to Miami with this 3-hour flight. Official redemption rates start at 40,000 miles (Economy) and 115,000 miles (Business), but we’ve found award seats for just 15,000 miles (Economy) or 25,000 miles (Business) plus minimal taxes ($32).

---

Bonus: The Air France Caribbean Hopper

Rather than booking each leg individually, travelers can fly the entire Miami–Cayenne route as a single journey, with stops in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Air France operates this route three times weekly using its Caribbean-configured Airbus A320. Though labeled Business Class, the layout mirrors Economy with a blocked middle seat.

Conclusion

Air France stands out among European carriers for its extensive 5th freedom network, enabled by France’s overseas departments. Its Caribbean base in Pointe-à-Pitre acts as a mini-hub, connecting French territories with the U.S., Canada, and Brazil via a dedicated fleet of Airbus A320s.