French Regional Airports Await Ryanair’s Next Move
France has significantly raised its airline ticket tax, increasing the taxe de solidarité sur les billets d’avion (TSBA) from €2.63 to €7.40 for short-haul economy flights. Medium-haul flights now face a €15 tax, while long-haul flights jump to €40.
Ryanair has warned that this increase could force it to cut flights at up to 50% of its French airports from January 2025. The airline, which serves 22 airports in France, has not confirmed whether it will follow through. Airports in Limoges, La Rochelle, Carcassonne, Lourdes/Tarbes, Béziers, Biarritz, Rodez, Nantes, and Brive are among those most at risk.
Budget Airlines Hit Back at Higher Taxes
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary called the tax hike excessive, saying, “France is already a high-tax country… overtaxing air fares won’t help.” The airline has already cut flights from Aalborg, Denmark, following a similar tax increase.
British carrier easyJet has no plans to leave France but strongly criticised the tax. A company spokesperson said it creates “uncertainty” and could limit investment in both France and eco-friendly air travel.
Tourism and Jobs at Risk if Ryanair Pulls Out
Smaller airports fear a drop in passenger numbers and reduced tourism revenue if Ryanair follows through. Last autumn, the airline withdrew from Bordeaux Airport over a fee dispute, causing a 13% passenger decline. Similar losses could hit other airports that depend on budget carriers for tourism and local economies.
Despite Uncertainty, Ryanair Still Promotes French Destinations
New routes include Clermont-Ferrand to London Stansted. In total, 19 French airports appear on Ryanair’s website, signaling continued operations—for now.
What’s Next? Waiting for Ryanair’s Decision
Airports remain in the dark. La Rochelle Airport director Thomas Juin said, “We have had no information. We just have to wait.” Ryanair has also blamed Boeing supply chain issues, which could further impact route decisions.
For now, travelers, airport managers, and tourism operators wait to see if higher taxes will force Ryanair to cut flights—or if France will remain part of its low-cost network.