This tax, officially called the Airline Ticket Solidarity Tax (TSBA), has existed for a long time but has recently undergone a significant increase. Faced with this fiscal measure, Ryanair, a heavyweight in the European low-cost sector, has decided to significantly reduce its operations in France. This decision naturally worries regional airports as well as local tourism players, part of whose business depends directly on passengers carried by the Irish airline.
Why this increase in the TSBA?
As a reminder, the TSBA was initially introduced to finance development aid programs in the poorest countries. Since March 1, 2025, it has increased from €2.63 to €7.40 for a budget flight within the European Union. On medium-haul flights, it now reaches €15, while long-haul flights are taxed up to €40.
The French government defends this measure as a way to strengthen international solidarity efforts. But obviously, it doesn't please everyone. Low-cost airlines, in particular, see this increase as a major obstacle to remaining competitive.
Ryanair's strong response
Faced with this situation, Ryanair was quick to raise its voice. Initially, its CEO Michael O'Leary threatened to completely stop flights to around ten French regional airports if the government did not back down. Finally, even though the scale of these threats has been revised downwards, the Irish airline has indeed confirmed that it will reduce its capacity by 4 to 5% across all its French operations.
This decision is not without consequences. In Vatry (Champagne-Ardenne), for example, the airline has simply decided to abandon two important routes to Porto and Marrakech since March 29. These routes alone represented nearly 85% of the airport's annual passenger traffic, or 74,000 passengers out of 86,000 recorded in 2024. Suffice it to say that this reduction risks dealing a severe blow to the local economy and associated jobs.
In Marseille, the same scenario: Ryanair is reducing its presence by canceling 300 flights for the summer season, or around ten fewer weekly flights from April to October. Given that Marseille Provence is Ryanair's largest French base, the potential impact on regional tourism could be significant.
Regional airports in turmoil
The situation is all the more problematic given that many of these regional airports operate almost at the same pace as low-cost airlines. When a giant like Ryanair decides to ease off, entire infrastructures shake. Nicolas Paulissen, general delegate of the French Airports Union (UAF), recently pointed out that airports handling between 100,000 and 1 million passengers per year, such as Limoges, Bergerac, and La Rochelle, are particularly exposed to these decisions. In the short term, a significant drop in passenger numbers could jeopardize their financial stability and sustainability.
While airports suffer directly, the impact on tourism could be just as alarming. Many French regions rely on visitors brought by Ryanair to boost their economies. Tourists arrive by plane, consume locally, book hotels, visit local restaurants and businesses... A drop in air travel could thus affect an entire regional economy that is already fragile.
And the other airlines?
While Ryanair is currently the most vocal in expressing its discontent, it is not the only one. EasyJet, without having announced an immediate departure, is also strongly criticizing this increase, which could hamper its future investments in France. Air France, for its part, has decided for the time being not to pass on this increase to tickets already sold, while its subsidiary Transavia prefers to add a fare supplement for bookings made before the announcement.
The future of Ryanair's operations in France remains very unclear. For the moment, the company seems willing to maintain a reduced presence, but there is no guarantee that it will not harden its position further if economic conditions continue to deteriorate.
To avoid a lasting crisis, regional airports will have to find new strategies: attracting other airlines, diversifying their offerings, or forging innovative partnerships. As for the French government, it could be forced to review its tax policy to prevent a gradual flight of airlines, which is essential to maintaining the country's economic attractiveness.
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