Irish low-cost airline Ryanair cuts back on its flights to France

In response to the increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets, the group is ceasing its activities at three regional airports.

Ryanair announced on Wednesday, July 30, that it is stopping operations at Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Brives, three airports from which Ryanair serves Scotland and Portugal, among others. In the spring, it had already left Vatry Airport in eastern France. In summary, for next winter, Europe's leading low-cost airline plans to reduce its capacity in France by 13%, which translates into 750,000 fewer passenger seats and the cancellation of 25 routes.

This isn't the first time Ryanair's boss has spoken out about tax increases. Michael O'Leary had become increasingly threatening over the months, and now he's decided to take action. He points out that, in his view, "France is going against the grain," while other European countries, such as Spain, Ireland, and Poland, are reducing aviation taxes.

Under the provisions of this year's budget law, the tax on airline tickets has increased from €2.63 to €7.30 for an economy-class ticket (from France to a European country or from a European country to France), with a tax of up to €40 on business-class tickets. Intended to be allocated to combating climate change, this tax would ultimately generate between €800 and €850 million for the state each year. According to the Ryanair boss, this policy makes many regional routes unprofitable, especially in winter.

Airports and local authorities are also reacting. The French Airports Union deplores Ryanair's decision , which it acknowledges is "unfortunately predictable." It results in an immediate loss of revenue for airports, a decrease in attractiveness, and a significant drop in tourist numbers for the affected areas.

If the French government doesn't change course, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary assures that its investments will inevitably be redirected to more competitive European markets such as Sweden, Hungary, and certain regions of Italy. However, if there is a real reversal on the part of Matignon, Ryanair could invest between €2 and €3 billion in France and create up to 750 jobs across the country.