Since 29 March 2026, Transavia operates up to 8 flights a day between Paris Orly and Nice, and up to 8 daily to Toulouse, with fares from £33 one way. The low-cost carrier, an Air France-KLM subsidiary, took over all domestic routes from Orly after 80 years of Air France operations, and now accounts for 52% of the airport’s traffic. Its summer 2026 network covers 109 destinations in 33 countries. For flexible travellers, the Max fare (around £120) gives access to the brand-new Transavia lounge, opened on 6 May 2026 at terminal 2C.
On 28 March 2026 at 21:55, the Air France Airbus operating flight AF6231 from Nice touched down at Orly for the very last time. After 80 years on that tarmac — from June 1946 and the iconic Navette shuttle launched in 1996 — France’s national carrier departed Paris Orly for good. From the very next morning, its low-cost subsidiary Transavia France simultaneously launched three high-frequency routes to Nice, Toulouse and Marseille, propelling the green carrier to 52% of the airport’s traffic. A shift as swift as it is historic, reshaping French domestic aviation for millions of passengers — and opening fresh opportunities for UK travellers connecting via Paris.
1. Air France leaves Orly: the end of an 80-year era
80 years of Air France’s Navette — and a swift farewell
According to Air Journal, a strategic decision announced in October 2023 by the Air France-KLM group triggered this handover: concentrate all long-haul and premium medium-haul Air France operations at Roissy-CDG, and make Orly the exclusive platform for Transavia. Three factors had already undermined the Navette model: the high-speed rail effect (Paris–Nice by TGV takes 5h30 — fast enough to qualify under France’s climate law banning domestic flights where train takes under 2h30), the rise of remote working since Covid, and that very 2021 Climate and Resilience Act. For UK travellers, Orly is now firmly Transavia territory — the low-cost gateway to southern France via Paris.
The numbers tell a stark story: between 2019 and 2023, Air France traffic on these routes fell -14.9% to Nice, -35.9% to Toulouse and -28.2% to Marseille, with more than 60% collapse in same-day return flights — the backbone of the business Navette model. According to Le JDD, Transavia CEO Olivier Mazzucchelli embraces this shift: « Connecting regions, linking communities and supporting local economies are fully part of our mission. »
Key facts about the handover
- Transavia France (IATA code: TO) founded in 2006, operating since May 2007 — a well-established subsidiary with a fleet of 99 aircraft
- 11 A320neos positioned at Orly at launch on 29 March 2026, targeting a fleet of 96 aircraft for summer 2026
- 575,000 passengers targeted at Orly by October 2026, at an airport that handled 34.9 million passengers in 2025 (+5.5%)
2. Nice, Toulouse, Marseille: frequencies and new destinations
Up to 8 flights a day to Nice and Toulouse
According to the official Transavia announcement, the summer 2026 network (29 March – 31 October) covers 230 routes to 109 destinations in 33 countries. From Orly, the three domestic routes launched on 29 March 2026 offer:
| Route | Max flights/day | Basic fare |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Orly – Nice | 8 flights | From £33 |
| Paris Orly – Toulouse | 8 flights | From £33 |
| Paris Orly – Marseille | 2 flights | From £39 |
On Nice (Orly departures at 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 13:30, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 21:05), Transavia makes day-trips technically feasible. It is also the most competitive route: Nice is a city on a strong aviation upswing, with Delta Air Lines now linking it to Boston and Air France maintaining frequencies from CDG. For Toulouse — the global capital of aerospace (Airbus, Safran) — business demand remains strong despite the end of the Air France Navette. For Marseille, the reduction to 2 daily flights (versus roughly 3 previously with Air France) is the most contested change of the three routes.
Beyond domestic routes, Transavia has opened 4 new international destinations from Orly: Sarajevo (Bosnia, 2 flights/week from £59), Pisa (Italy, 4 flights/week from £35), Araxos (Greece, 1 flight/week from £42) and Burgas (Bulgaria, 1 flight/week from £62). Increased frequencies apply to Venice (7 to 14 flights/week), Stockholm (6 to 10 flights/week) and Madrid (28 to 34 flights/week), according to Ulysse.
Network highlights
- 10 new routes for summer 2026, including 6 new regional routes (Nantes–Bari, Lyon–Izmir, Marseille–Seville, Montpellier–Djerba)
- Marseille: +50% seat capacity with 3 based aircraft, 22 destinations including 3 new ones (Paris Orly, Oran, Seville)
- For the Cote d’Azur, Transavia offers low-cost access from the heart of greater Paris — 10 km from the city centre via Metro line 14
3. On board and on the ground: A320neo, the Transavia lounge and Orly practicalities
A more comfortable A320neo, and a lounge opened on 6 May 2026
According to Transavia Corporate, the new A320neo cabin features 186 Recaro SL3710 seats (width 48.2 cm, legroom 73.6 cm, pre-reclined 15 degrees, removable armrests, trays widened by 5 cm) and USB-C 60W charging ports at every seat, plus XL overhead bins offering 37% more cabin bag capacity. Food and drink is paid-only (Newrest menu, 49 French-made items). Key limitation: no Wi-Fi on board, on either the A320neo or the Boeing 737-800.
France’s first Transavia lounge opened at terminal 2C (gate C14) on 6 May 2026, according to Air Journal. Built into the former Air France space, fully refurbished in Transavia’s green and white, it offers 335 m², 114 seats, a self-service cold buffet (French and regional produce), free Wi-Fi, power points, workspaces and runway views. Free access: Max France fare + Flying Blue Platinum/Ultimate. Paid access: £34 (standard), £17 (Flying Blue Gold).
For airport access: Metro line 14 (25 minutes from Chatelet, EUR 14) is the best option. UK travellers arriving by Eurostar to Gare du Nord can connect via RER B or Metro to reach Orly in under 60 minutes total. Check-in takes place at Hall 3 (Orly 3), and boarding at gate 2C (Orly 2) — jetway boarding, no bus, with security fast-track for Max-fare holders. Note: the drop-off zone is being removed by 2029 (construction starts late 2026).
Experience highlights
- 79% punctuality over 12 rolling months (AirHelp Score), overall rating 7.04/10 — among the best-performing European low-cost carriers
- Max fare: free same-day changes up to 1 hour before departure (since 18 March 2026), fast-track and priority baggage
- A320neo: -15% CO2 emissions versus the previous generation, reduced noise at source (positively noted by ACNUSA)
4. Fares, baggage and Flying Blue: what you actually pay
From £33 Basic to £120 Max: the real fare breakdown
According to Ulysse and Transavia.com data, the domestic fare structure for summer 2026 has four tiers. The Basic fare (£33–£39) includes a personal item only (40x30x15 cm). The Plus fare adds cabin bag and a change option. The Max fare (~£120–130) is the most complete: 30 kg hold bag + 2 cabin bags (10 kg), free seat selection, fast-track, lounge, and same-day changes up to 1 hour before departure. The Flex add-on (+£9/leg) allows unlimited date/time changes up to 2 hours before departure, valid for up to 1 year.
On the loyalty programme, Transavia has integrated BlueBiz for corporate travellers: 1 Blue Credit = EUR 1 of flight, convertible into Air France reward flights or CO2 offsetting (CO2ZERO). For individuals, Flying Blue accrual is active on all fares (minimum guaranteed: 500 Miles per leg). The Max fare earns 2 XP on domestic flights. Flying Blue Platinum/Ultimate gives free access to the new Transavia Orly lounge.
By comparison, Air France still operates up to 12 flights/day on Nice–CDG with business class and CDG lounges. For business travellers used to 3 daily Air France departures from Orly to Marseille, the reduction to 2 Transavia rotations remains the main friction. For all passengers looking for the best options, real-time comparison is essential.
Fare highlights
- The fuel crisis has added around £8 to the average return fare since May 2026 — factor this into your budget
- Prices typically rise 3–4 weeks before departure: book early for July–August travel
- TGV alternative: Paris–Marseille in 3h15 by high-speed rail (~£85–160 return), and 75x lower CO2 than flying — worth considering for Eurostar connections
5. Fuel crisis: 400 flights cancelled in May–June 2026 and your rights
The Strait of Hormuz disruption cuts aviation fuel supplies
According to Air Journal and France Info, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran since late February 2026 (following US-Israeli strikes on 28 February) roughly doubled jet fuel prices, from ~$830/tonne to over $1,700/tonne. Faced with this structural cost surge, Transavia announced on 27 April 2026 the cancellation of around 400 flights in May and June — less than 2% of its schedule, but enough to disrupt thousands of travellers in peak season.
This raises an important legal question: are passengers entitled to compensation? Almost certainly yes. EU Regulation 261/2004 — which has been retained in UK law as UK261 — provides £220 compensation for flights under 1,500 km (such as Toulouse–Orly or Nice–Orly) cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice. Transavia has attempted to invoke « extraordinary circumstances », but according to experts cited by Ulysse, EU case law generally treats fuel price volatility as part of an airline’s normal commercial risk. If you have experienced a cancellation, you have three options: (1) free rebooking on another Transavia flight, (2) a travel voucher, or (3) a full ticket refund.
Key points to remember
- Transavia has applied an ~£8 surcharge per return journey to partially absorb the fuel increase
- Outside this crisis, Transavia’s cancellation rate is excellent (~0.02%)
- Cabin crew strike notices had already affected Transavia in May–June 2025 — staying alert before departure remains advisable
6. Transavia in French aviation 2026: a market in transition
A market in transition: Ryanair retreats, easyJet advances
According to the Air France-KLM annual report, Transavia France carried 26.086 million passengers in 2025 (+12.4%), with capacity up +14.9%. But this commercial dynamism masks an operating deficit of -EUR 49 million in 2025 (versus -EUR 3m in 2024), reflecting the transitional costs of Orly expansion. The target is an 8% margin by 2028 — ambitious given volatile fuel prices.
The competitive landscape is also shifting rapidly: the increase in France’s Air Solidarity Tax (TSBA, from EUR 2.63 to EUR 7.40) is pushing Ryanair — well known to UK travellers — to exit several French regional airports in 2026 (Clermont-Ferrand notably), freeing up market share for Transavia and easyJet to capture. Meanwhile, Air France is doubling down on international routes from CDG, with bold ambitions — such as the new Paris–Las Vegas route with an A350, its 19th US destination in 2026. The divide is now clear: Orly belongs to low-cost, CDG to premium.
Context highlights
- Orly 2026: +10% passengers in March 2026 (2.73 million), growth confirmed by Transavia’s arrival
- Groupe ADP is investing EUR 1.7 billion to modernise Orly (accessibility) as part of an EUR 8.4bn 2027–2034 plan
- Metro line 14 (open to Orly since 2024) transformed access: 25 minutes from Chatelet for EUR 14 — faster than a taxi at peak hours
Plan your Transavia flight from Paris Orly
Transavia, easyJet, Vueling, Air France CDG — all Paris departures in real time. Filter by flexibility, bags included, final price.
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From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions — Transavia Orly 2026
Has Transavia really replaced Air France at Orly?
Yes, since 29 March 2026. Air France operated its very last flight from Paris Orly on 28 March 2026 (flight AF6231 from Nice, landing at 21:55), ending 80 years at the airport. Transavia France, the low-cost subsidiary of the same Air France-KLM group, now operates domestic routes to Nice, Toulouse and Marseille from Orly 2, as well as the full Transavia international network from that platform. Air France maintains these domestic routes from Paris-CDG, with more frequencies and a business class cabin. Source: Air Journal.
How often does Transavia fly between Orly and Nice/Toulouse?
Transavia operates up to 8 flights a day between Paris Orly and Nice, and up to 8 a day to Toulouse, 7 days a week for the summer 2026 season (29 March – 31 October). On Nice, departures from Orly run from 07:00 to 21:05, making same-day return trips feasible. To Marseille, only 2 daily flights are available — a significant reduction compared to the roughly 3 daily Air France flights previously. Source: Ulysse.
Which terminal does Transavia use at Orly airport?
Transavia uses two distinct areas at Orly. Check-in and bag drop: Hall 3, level 1 (Orly 3). Boarding: Orly 2, gate 2C. This terminal offers jetway boarding (no bus) and is directly served by Metro line 14 « Aeroport d’Orly » (terminals 1-2-3), 25 minutes from Chatelet for EUR 14. UK travellers connecting from Eurostar (Paris Gare du Nord) can reach Orly in under 60 minutes. Source: orly-aeroport.fr.
Can you access the Transavia lounge at Orly, and how much does it cost?
Yes, since 6 May 2026. France’s first Transavia lounge (335 m², 114 seats, terminal 2C gate C14) is free for Flying Blue Platinum and Ultimate members, and for Max France fare holders. Paid access costs £34 for standard passengers and £17 for Flying Blue Gold members. The lounge offers a self-service cold buffet (French and regional produce), free Wi-Fi, power points, workspaces and runway views. Open 06:00–22:00, 7 days a week. Source: Air Journal.
What are my rights if my Transavia flight is cancelled in May–June 2026?
Around 400 Transavia flights have been cancelled for May–June 2026 due to the fuel price surge (Strait of Hormuz crisis). If your flight is cancelled, you may choose: (1) free rebooking on another Transavia flight, (2) a travel voucher, or (3) a full refund. If notified less than 14 days before departure, you may also be entitled to £220 compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (retained in UK law as UK261, for flights on EU carriers or departing from EU airports). EU case law is generally sceptical of airlines invoking « extraordinary circumstances » for fuel cost surges. UK passengers can escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if Transavia refuses. Source: Ulysse.
Can you earn Flying Blue Miles with Transavia?
Yes, Flying Blue accrual is active on all Transavia France fares (Basic, Plus, Max) with a minimum of 500 Miles per leg. The Max fare earns 2 XP on domestic flights, 5 XP on international flights. Corporate travellers can also join BlueBiz (1 Blue Credit = EUR 1, convertible into Air France reward flights or CO2 offsetting via CO2ZERO). Note: these benefits apply only to Transavia France (IATA code: TO), not to Transavia Airlines Netherlands (code HV). Source: Transavia Corporate.
Is there Wi-Fi on Transavia flights from Orly?
No, Transavia does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi on any of its aircraft, neither the Boeing 737-800 nor the Airbus A320neos based at Orly. This is the main drawback for business travellers on domestic routes. However, free Wi-Fi is available in Orly’s boarding zones (WIFI-AIRPORT network), and the new Transavia lounge (terminal 2C) also offers free connection since 6 May 2026.
Sources
- Transavia Corporate — Summer 2026 network announcement (10 new routes, 109 destinations)
- Air Journal — Orly domestic route launch, 30 March 2026
- Air Journal — Air France leaves Orly, last flight AF6231, 28 March 2026
- Air Journal — Transavia Orly lounge inauguration (terminal 2C, gate C14), 7 May 2026
- Air Journal — Fuel crisis, ~400 flights cancelled May–June 2026
- Ulysse — First days review: frequencies, fares, services (30 March 2026)
- Ulysse — May–June 2026 cancellations and EU261/UK261 passenger rights
- Le JDD — Interview with CEO Olivier Mazzucchelli: « 52% of Orly traffic in 2026 »
- Transavia Corporate — New A320neo cabin (Recaro SL3710 seats, USB-C 60W, XL Bin)
- Groupe ADP — Orly traffic March 2026: 2,727,971 passengers (+10%)
- France Info — Fuel surge: $830 to $1,700/tonne, Strait of Hormuz context
- ACNUSA — First Transavia A320neo at Orly, -15% CO2, noise reduction
- Orly-aeroport.fr — Transavia terminals at Orly: Hall 3 (check-in) and gate 2C (boarding)
- Transavia Corporate — BlueBiz corporate loyalty programme integration
- AirHelp UK — EU261/UK261 compensation rights for UK passengers
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) — UK passenger rights for cancelled and delayed flights
Research conducted 8 May 2026. Fares and timetables should be verified on transavia.com before booking. GBP approximations based on EUR/GBP rate of approximately 0.86.
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