France flight updates you may have missed for summer 2026

Here are some of the latest changes affecting flights to and from France and the new EU rules on passenger rights.

Updated passenger rights

An update to EU air passenger rights has been approved by the European Parliament.

The rules, which await final approval from the Council of the EU, apply to flights within the EU, departing from the bloc, or arriving on EU airlines.

They will continue to cover delays of three hours or more, last-minute cancellations and denied boarding, with compensation of between €250 and €600 depending on distance. Some airlines had asked for these payments to be reduced.

Airlines face new obligations

Airlines will have to explain how passengers can claim compensation within four days of a disruption, with claims to be answered within 30 days.

Airlines will also be required to seat children aged under 14 next to a parent or guardian without charging a seat selection fee.

Passengers will also be protected from fees for minor name corrections and for printed boarding passes.

Free personal item retained

Carry-on baggage costs must be clearly shown when booking and passengers will continue to have the right to take a small personal item free of charge.

A proposal to also allow one small overhead locker case free of charge was opposed by airlines and has been dropped.

Nice-New York service extended

A business class-only flight between Nice and New York will operate throughout the winter for the first time following strong demand from North American travellers visiting the French Riviera.

French airline La Compagnie currently runs the route to Newark Airport, New Jersey, between April and September.

Winter flights added after strong demand

From October to March, flights will operate twice weekly before returning to a four-times-weekly summer schedule next April.

Nice Airport said the extension reflected growing year-round interest in the Riviera.

Around 500,000 Americans arrive in Nice each year, although only around a quarter travel on direct flights.

Business-class-only aircraft

The service uses Airbus A321neo aircraft with 76 seats, all in business class, which convert into fully flat beds.

Passengers also benefit from WiFi, lounge access, fast-track services and Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Return fares start at about €2,795, although one-way tickets can exceed €1,700.

The announcement follows the launch of a new direct Nice-Boston route.