Budget airline Ryanair plans to abandon operations at three French airports due to excessive air taxes, deeming the charges 'astronomical'.

Budget airline Ryanair plans to abandon operations at three French airports due to excessive air taxes, deeming the charges 'astronomical'.

Ryanair, the low-cost airline giant, has announced its withdrawal from three French regional airports - Brive, Bergerac, and Strasbourg - starting winter 2025. The decision comes in response to a significant increase in the French Solidarity Tax on airline tickets, which saw a jump from €2.63 to around €7.40 per passenger for domestic and European flights[1][2][3][4].

The tax hike, according to Ryanair, makes operating these routes financially unviable. The airline maintains that the tax penalizes low-cost carriers and undermines regional connectivity[1]. In a statement, Ryanair forecasts that the tax will cost it approximately €108 million annually, leading to the cancellation of 25 routes and the loss of 750,000 seats in France, equal to about a 13% reduction in their French winter capacity[1][2][4].

This decision will have a ripple effect, heavily impacting the affected regional airports. For instance, Bergerac Airport, which heavily depends on Ryanair traffic, fears closure if the airline permanently stops service[2]. The move also raises concerns about negative effects on local tourism, jobs, and economic growth in underserved French regions[4][5].

Ryanair's stance is not new. The airline has previously threatened to pull out of countries imposing high aviation taxes, such as Belgium and Denmark[1][3]. In contrast, the airline has promised to invest $2.5 billion in France, base 25 new aircraft there, and create 750 new jobs if the tax is scrapped[1]. Ryanair also promises to redirect growth to countries like Sweden, Italy, and Hungary, which are abolishing their aviation taxes[1].

The French Transport Ministry has frozen the current tax rate until the end of 2026, but Ryanair says this is not enough. The airline urges the French government to abolish this tax to restore competitiveness and connectivity in French aviation[1]. In response to the planned tax hike in Belgium, Ryanair criticized the move, stating that it would increase the aviation tax on ordinary passengers by up to 150%[1].

Similar moves by Ryanair have been made in the past. In February, the airline cut 12 routes and 800,000 seats from smaller Spanish airports due to high aviation taxes[6]. Ryanair increased capacity at major hubs such as Madrid, Málaga, and Alicante in Spain instead[6]. The airline also threatened to pull out of two Danish airports in February, citing high aviation taxes[7].

In summary, Ryanair's decision to withdraw from three French airports is a direct response to the French government's decision to maintain the high Solidarity Tax on air tickets. The airline urges the French government to abolish this tax to restore competitiveness and connectivity in French aviation[1].

1. The high Solidarity Tax on airline tickets in France has led Ryanair to consider investing in countries that have abolished their aviation taxes, such as Sweden, Italy, and Hungary.
2. The cancellation of 25 routes and the loss of 750,000 seats by Ryanair in France could negatively impact local tourism, jobs, and economic growth in underserved regions.
3. Ryanair's withdrawal from three French airports could potentially lead to a shift in eco-tourism, sports, and travel activities towards other destinations with more affordable travel options.

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