France cuts air ticket tax on 26 regional routes

France’s Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, has announced a 65% reduction in the air transport tax (TSBA), from June 1. The measure aims to improve connectivity in underserved areas and support local economic activity.

The tax will fall from €7.40 to €2.63 on routes subject to a public service obligation (OSP).

The reduction applies to 26 air routes across France and Europe. These routes are considered essential for maintaining access between remote or less well-served regions and major cities, where alternative transport options can be limited or take significantly longer.

“By making these connections more affordable, this measure reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting connectivity in the least well-served areas and reducing the cost of air travel to and from these destinations,” Mr Tabarot said in a press release.

The decision follows criticism from airlines after last year’s increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets which raised operating costs on many regional routes. Several carriers, including low-cost airline Ryanair, warned that higher taxes were making some routes less viable and forcing them to reduce or adjust their networks in France.

Among the mainland routes covered are key regional connections to Paris, including Aurillac-Paris, Brive-Paris, Le Puy-Paris, Castres-Paris, Rodez-Paris, Limoges-Paris, and Tarbes-Paris. These routes are widely used by residents, professionals, and businesses to reach the capital.

Other domestic links include Limoges-Lyon, La Rochelle-Lyon, and Poitiers-Lyon. 

The measure also covers routes between mainland France and Corsica, including Paris-Orly to Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, and Figari, as well as connections from Marseille and Nice to Corsica. These routes are important for both residents and tourism.

All affected routes can be viewed here.