The new daily route to Charles de Gaulle, announced in January, will commence on May 26.

It was originally scheduled to operate until October 27. However, Air France this week said due to “positive forward bookings”, the route has been extended to an all-year service.

Besides linking the south of Ireland with the French capital directly, it will also open up 180 destinations worldwide via Paris.

Flights will leave Cork at 4.30pm, arriving in Paris at 7.20pm local time. Return flights leave Paris at 2.55pm, arriving in Ireland at 3.50pm.

Bénédicte Duval, general manager Air France KLM UK and Ireland, said the new route would offer “extra choice and connectivity” and would be “well received by the local community”.

“Our continued investment in the Irish market will result in stronger business links between Ireland and France and we are proud to be able to further support tourism and local businesses,” he added.

Niall MacCarthy, Cork airport managing director, said the move “showed confidence” in the south Ireland economy and that Cork was looking forward to welcoming visitors from France.

Daragh Hanratty, Cork’s head of aviation marketing, added: “The growth of this route before it takes off in May is testament to the popularity of Paris as a destination for Irish customers - and to the popularity of Ireland for our French visitors.”