Air Caraïbes Launches Paris-San Salvador Route: A New Direct Escape to the Bahamas for French Travelers

Travelers seeking untouched destinations in the Bahamas have a new reason to celebrate: Air Caraïbes has launched a direct seasonal route between Paris-Orly and San Salvador, one of the archipelago’s most authentic islands. This new offering aligns with the airline’s strategy to strengthen its Caribbean presence while opening fresh opportunities for travelers eager to escape crowded tourist hotspots.

Since June 9, 2026, French passengers have easier access to this historic island, believed to be where Christopher Columbus first landed in 1492 during his voyage to the New World. San Salvador stands out for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an intimate atmosphere, far removed from the typical tourist circuits of the Bahamas. The weekly service will operate until August 23, 2026, then resume on October 22, 2026, timed to match peak tourism seasons and leisure demand.

The outbound flight from Paris-Orly departs at 10:15 AM, arriving in San Salvador at 1:35 PM after a 9-hour, 20-minute nonstop journey. The return flight, a 12-hour, 10-minute journey, departs San Salvador at 2:45 PM and lands at Orly at 8:55 AM the following day. These schedules are designed to maximize traveler convenience, minimizing logistical constraints. Air Caraïbes has assigned an Airbus A330-300 configured in a three-class layout, an aircraft already well-proven on its transatlantic routes to the Caribbean and the Antilles.

Onboard this long-haul aircraft, passengers enjoy comfort tailored for 9- to 12-hour flights. In Soleil Class (economy), the 3-3-3 configuration optimizes space with seats offering a 42 cm seat width and 81 cm pitch. Individual HD touchscreen video displays of about 25 cm are standard. For those in Caraïbes Class (premium economy), the 2-3-2 layout provides wider seats (45 cm) and a 92 cm pitch, with enhanced comfort. The Madras Class (business) features 12 electric "shell" seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, offering a 48 cm seat width, 155 cm pitch, and a recline of up to 160°, ideal for discerning travelers.

San Salvador: A Hidden Gem with Underrated Appeal

San Salvador is no ordinary destination. This Bahamian island, located about 80 km off the coast of Florida, is often overshadowed by more famous resorts like Nassau or Grand Bahama. Yet it boasts hidden treasures for travelers seeking authenticity. Its historical ties to Christopher Columbus make it a symbolic location, while its world-class diving spots attract marine enthusiasts. The island’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as those at Graham’s Harbour and Pigeon Creek, offer an idyllic setting for relaxation.

Air Caraïbes is leveraging this destination to promote the Out Islands, the less-visited Bahamian islands that emphasize discreet, eco-friendly tourism. The airline highlights its role in facilitating access to these territories for French travelers, with local partnerships like the one with Club Med to serve the Columbus Isle resort. Additionally, connections with Bahamasair allow travelers to extend their stay to Nassau or other islands in the archipelago.

According to Hugues Heddebault, Commercial Director of Air Caraïbes, this new route responds to growing demand for unique travel experiences. « The Bahamas offer exceptional diversity, from pristine beaches and historical heritage to spectacular nature. With the launch of this direct route operated by Air Caraïbes between Paris and San Salvador, we’re delighted to make the Out Islands more accessible to French travelers and introduce them to a more confidential side of our archipelago, » he explains. This strategy aligns with the airline’s positioning, already well-established in the French Antilles and French Guiana.

An Airbus A330-300 for a Premium Experience at Accessible Prices

The Airbus A330-300 selected for this route is a proven long-haul aircraft already used by Air Caraïbes on its services to the Caribbean and the Antilles. With a capacity of 354 seats across three classes, it balances optimized density and comfort for 9- to 12-hour flights. The three-class configuration caters to a diverse clientele, from leisure travelers to business passengers.

In Soleil Class, the 3-3-3 layout allows the airline to maintain competitive fares while providing adequate space for passengers. Seats feature a 42 cm width and 81 cm pitch, equipped with 25 cm HD touchscreens—a standard for long-haul flights. The Caraïbes Class offers a 2-3-2 layout, enhancing comfort with 45 cm-wide seats and a 92 cm pitch, providing better recline and legroom. The Madras Class stands out with its 2-2-2 configuration, featuring electric "shell" seats reclining up to 160°, a 48 cm seat width, and a 155 cm pitch, delivering a near full-flat experience at a more accessible price point.

This configuration enables Air Caraïbes to offer a premium product at leisure-friendly fares while capitalizing on its Caribbean heritage. The airline emphasizes a vacation-oriented product, with services tailored to travelers seeking relaxation and discovery.

Thoughtfully Scheduled Flights and Seasonal Precision

The flight schedule has been carefully crafted to provide an optimal travel experience. The outbound flight departs Paris-Orly at 10:15 AM, arriving in San Salvador at 1:35 PM after a 9-hour, 20-minute flight. The return flight departs San Salvador at 2:45 PM, landing at Orly at 8:55 AM the following day after a 12-hour, 10-minute journey. These timings avoid overnight disruptions and allow passengers to make the most of their stay.

The service operates on a weekly basis, with a suspension between late August and late October, aligning with the seasonal drop in tourism demand. This approach enables Air Caraïbes to adjust its offering based on traveler flows while maintaining profitable operations. The resumption in October coincides with the arrival of visitors seeking tranquility and mild temperatures before winter.

For travelers looking to extend their stay, Air Caraïbes has interline agreements with Bahamasair, allowing connections to Nassau or other islands in the archipelago from San Salvador. This is an ideal solution for those wishing to explore the Bahamas without multiple layovers.

Strengthening Air Caraïbes’ Caribbean Strategy

With this new route, Air Caraïbes reinforces its long-haul network centered around the French Antilles, French Guiana, and seasonal extensions across the Caribbean and the Atlantic. San Salvador joins a roster of well-served destinations like Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, and Saint-Martin, further solidifying the airline’s Caribbean roots.

The airline is leveraging this route to attract travelers seeking escapism and off-the-beaten-path destinations, while capitalizing on its expertise in long-haul flights to the Caribbean. For French travelers, this direct service from Paris represents a unique opportunity to discover a preserved island without the hassle of layovers or connections.

Air Caraïbes emphasizes that this new route aligns with its commitment to promoting the Out Islands, the lesser-known Bahamian islands that prioritize sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism. This strategy resonates with modern travelers, increasingly mindful of the destinations they visit.

For tour operators and travel agencies, this route presents an opportunity to offer tailor-made stays in a still-undiscovered destination. With local partnerships like the one with Club Med, Air Caraïbes facilitates access to these islands and enhances their appeal to an international clientele.

Book your Paris-San Salvador flight now on the Air Caraïbes website and discover a destination off the beaten path, where history, nature, and authenticity converge.