Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, announced significant cuts to its operations in France during the winter 2025 season. This decision comes in response to an increase in the solidarity tax on flight tickets (TSBA) imposed by the French government.
The reductions will result in the suspension of operations at three regional airports: Strasbourg (eastern France), Bergerac, and Brive (southwest). The airline previously served destinations such as London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Charleroi (Belgium), Porto (Portugal), and Agadir (Morocco).
### Impact of the Tax on Ryanair’s Decisions
In an official statement, Ryanair explained that its decision stems from a 180% increase in the solidarity tax in March 2025, raising it from €2.63 to €7.4 for domestic flights and those heading to Europe. The company believes this “excessive” tax makes France less competitive compared to other European countries like Ireland, Spain, and Poland, which do not impose similar taxes on flight tickets. Consequently, Ryanair will reduce its capacity in France by 13%, equating to 750,000 fewer seats and the cancellation of 25 flight routes.
### Mixed Reactions in Bergerac
At Bergerac Airport, located in the Dordogne region, home to many British retirees, travelers had mixed opinions on the decision. Melanie Sullivan, 71, expressed her willingness to pay the tax if it serves environmental purposes. In contrast, Robert, 63, noted that Ryanair remains a practical and affordable option, indicating his readiness to pay additional taxes if necessary. Conversely, Derek, 76, voiced concern that flight cancellations may deter many seniors from traveling, particularly since driving poses challenges for them.
Germainal Perro, president of the regional socialist council in Dordogne, stated that Ryanair’s decision poses a serious threat. The airline accounts for two-thirds of the air traffic at Bergerac Airport, which saw 240,000 passengers in 2024.
### Consequences for Regional Airports
In Strasbourg, Gilles Thillier, chairman of the airport’s board, downplayed the significance of Ryanair’s decision, noting that the reductions were limited to two destinations (Agadir and Porto) with just two flights weekly, out of 36 available destinations. He expressed hope that other airlines might resume these routes. Meanwhile, Julien Bonie, head of the mixed union managing Brive Airport, lamented Ryanair’s targeting of a small regional airport, arguing that this decision harms rural areas. He indicated that the cancellation of the busy Brive-Porto route could result in a loss of 15,000 passengers annually from a total of 98,000.
### Criticism from the Aviation Sector
Ryanair’s commercial director, Jason McGuinness, criticized what he described as France’s “lag behind” other EU countries, pointing out that air travel in the country remains below pre-COVID levels due to high taxes and security costs. The airline urged the French government to abolish this “harmful” tax and threatened to redirect its investments towards more competitive countries such as Sweden, Hungary, and Italy.
The French Airports Association (UAF) expressed regret over the decision, calling it “foreseen” and warning of its repercussions on revenue, the attractiveness of tourist areas, and the increasing isolation of affected regions. The National Federation of Civil Aviation and Professions (FNAM) urged the government to reconsider its tax policy to avoid further airline route closures.
### Position of the French Government
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabaré stated that France had “reached its limit” with the tax. He highlighted the importance of the aviation sector for enhancing national connectivity. However, the government faces growing pressure to reconsider its tax policy, especially amid warnings that low-cost airlines, dominant at airports like Beauvais, Carcassonne, Béziers, and Nîmes, may seek alternative destinations.
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