Ryanair Cuts French Operations Over “Harmful” Air Tax Hike

Ryanair Grounds French Operations Amidst Soaring Air Tax Hike

Low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced a significant reduction in its French operations, citing an "excessive" increase in the French government’s solidarity tax on aviation. This move, effective from October 31st, will see the airline slash seat numbers and routes from Paris Beau- du-Rouge and Bordeaux airports.

The airline states that the French government’s decision to more than double the solidarity tax, from €2 to €5.08 per passenger, makes many short-haul routes unviable. Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary described the tax as "anti-green" and "anti-consumer," arguing that it disproportionately impacts budget airlines and their passengers. He further criticized the French government for introducing this tax at a time when other European nations are actively seeking to stimulate aviation recovery.

Ryanair’s decision means a substantial cut to its winter schedule in France. The airline will reduce its seat capacity by 10 percent, impacting approximately 250,000 passengers. Routes from Bordeaux will see a 40 percent reduction in flights, and operations at Paris Beau-du-Rouge will be cut by 20 percent. This will result in the closure of Ryanair’s base at Bordeaux and a reduction in its Paris Beau-du-Rouge base from three to two aircraft.

The airline argues that this tax increase, coupled with existing airport charges and Air Traffic Control (ATC) inefficiencies, makes flying out of France significantly more expensive. Ryanair had previously warned the French government that such a hike would lead to a reduction in services. The airline’s stance is that sustainable aviation requires competitive operating costs, and the current tax regime in France is pushing those costs beyond a sustainable level for low-cost carriers.

This move by Ryanair highlights a growing tension between environmental policies and the accessibility of air travel. While many governments are exploring ways to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint, Ryanair contends that punitive taxes on passengers are not the answer and could stifle economic recovery and travel opportunities. The airline is calling for a more balanced approach that supports the growth of sustainable aviation without penalizing consumers and businesses. The future of Ryanair’s operations in France will likely depend on a potential reconsideration of this tax by the French government.

Key Points

• Ryanair Action: Slashes French operations due to an "excessive" increase in the French solidarity tax on aviation.
• Effective Date: October 31st.
• Impacted Airports: Paris Beau-du-Rouge and Bordeaux.
• Tax Increase: More than doubled from €2 to €5.08 per passenger.
• Seat Capacity Reduction: 10 percent reduction in winter schedule.
• Passenger Impact: Affects approximately 250,000 passengers.
• Bordeaux Operations: 40 percent flight reduction, closure of Ryanair’s base.
• Paris Beau-du-Rouge Operations: 20 percent flight reduction, reduction of base aircraft from three to two.
• Ryanair Criticism: Tax described as "anti-green" and "anti-consumer."
• Competitive Environment: Ryanair notes other European nations are stimulating aviation recovery, not increasing taxes.
• Ryanair Argument: Tax increase, combined with airport charges and ATC inefficiencies, makes flying out of France expensive.
• Call to Action: Ryanair advocates for a balanced approach to sustainable aviation, not punitive taxes.

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