Ryanair exits three French airports over rising airfare taxes

The airline explained that high aviation taxes are causing it to focus on markets where governments are removing such levies to encourage air traffic and economic growth. These include Sweden, Hungary, and parts of Italy.

“It’s unacceptable that a leading European country like France, is lagging behind the rest of the EU, with French traffic still behind pre-Covid levels, due to excessive Government taxes and security charges which make many Regional French routes unviable, particularly during the Winter. As a result, this Winter, Ryanair will reduce capacity at multiple regional airports, leading to the loss of 750k seats and 25 routes – many of which provide vital connectivity to French citizens in the regions. This completely avoidable loss will severely impact regional connectivity, tourism, and local jobs,” said Jason McGuinness, Chief Commercial Officer at Ryanair.

The recent increase includes a doubling of France’s Solidarity Tax for all commercial flights departing from France since March 1st. Taxes on economy class short-haul flights within Europe have risen from €2.63 to €7.40 per passenger; medium-haul flights now cost €15 per passenger; long-haul flights are taxed €40 each way. Business- and first-class tickets see even higher increases: up to €120 for long-haul journeys.

Airlines must self-declare these taxes using a government system; most are expected to pass costs onto passengers. Air France-KLM has also opposed these hikes; according to The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/06/air-france-klm-chief-opposes-airline-ticket-tax), Air France estimates that these measures could cost them about €100 million while they continue recovering from pandemic-related losses.

France already ranks among countries with some of Europe’s highest airfare taxes.

Ryanair has also criticized frequent strikes by French air traffic controllers over pay disputes this summer—actions which forced it to cancel 170 flights affecting more than 30,000 passengers. In response, Ryanair called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for urgent reform of EU air traffic control services.

The airline urged affected travelers to visit its “Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight” webpage for more information or action steps regarding disruptions caused by industrial actions.