The long-standing dominance of Eurostar on the London to Paris route is facing its most significant challenge in three decades, as major airlines prepare to launch a major expansion of flights between the two capitals.
Sky-High Competition Takes Off
By the spring of 2026, travellers will have a staggering choice of more than 50 flights each day connecting five London airports with two Parisian hubs. This marks a strategic push by carriers to lure passengers away from the Channel Tunnel rail service, which has enjoyed a monopoly on direct passenger trains since 1994.
The budget airline easyJet is leading the charge. From 5 March 2026, it will restore a connection between London Stansted and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). This adds to its existing services from Gatwick, Luton, and Southend, solidifying its position as a key player on the route.
Not to be outdone, Air France is entering the fray with a new service from 29 March 2026. The flag carrier will operate two daily round-trips, totalling four flights, between Paris CDG and London Gatwick. This move places it in direct competition with easyJet on the same airport pairing.
Price Gap Drives Airline Confidence
Airlives are betting they can capture market share by targeting passengers deterred by Eurostar's high last-minute fares. While advance bookings can show similar pricing, a snapshot of costs reveals a stark difference for spontaneous travel.
For instance, booking on a Thursday afternoon in December 2025 for a trip to Paris the following day, the cheapest Eurostar ticket was £196 for a single early morning departure. Later trains cost up to £242. In sharp contrast, the most affordable flight on the same date was an easyJet service from Southend to CDG for just £68.
Aviation analyst Sean Moulton noted that Air France's expansion also aims to fill a connectivity gap. "With Eurostar not planning to resume trains from Kent anytime soon, Air France are helping to fill the connectivity void between the South Coast and Paris," he said.
Eurostar's Enduring Advantages
Despite the aerial onslaught, Eurostar is expected to retain the majority of travellers between London and Paris. Its key selling points remain compelling: a swift city-centre to city-centre journey, no airport security queues, and a generous baggage allowance.
Furthermore, Air France's strategy extends beyond point-to-point traffic. The new Gatwick service is also designed to feed connecting passengers from south of London through its CDG hub to destinations across the globe.
When contacted for comment on the new competitive threat from the skies, Eurostar declined to respond. The battle for the London-Paris corridor, a vital artery of European travel, is clearly heating up as the 2026 launch dates approach.
