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Ryanair has revealed plans to halt flights from several European airports next year, citing tax changes in France as the reason.
The low-cost airline continues to speak out against tax hikes throughout the country, following the removal of several regional airports – including Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry – from its flight schedule earlier this year.
Ryanair’s commercial director, Jason McGuinness, warned more French airports will be added to the list in the coming months.
Speaking to French magazine, Challenges, he revealed that a tax increase of 180 per cent has rendered a number of regional airports ‘unviable’ for the the airline.
The French government’s 2025 Budget includes raised taxes for air travel – adding an extra €4.77 per ticket for domestic and European flights departing from France.
Of the proposed plans, which are set to come into effect in summer 2026, Mr McGuinness declared: ‘We will be leaving several regional airports in France this summer.
‘When you increase taxes by 180 per cent, it makes these airports unviable for us.’
The tax hike also raises costs for other flights, such as long-haul, business and private jet flights.
Ryanair has revealed plans to halt flights from several European airports next year, citing tax changes in France as the reason
The low-cost airline continues to speak out against tax hikes throughout the country, following the removal of several regional airports – including Strasbourg (pictured), Bergerac, and Vatry – from its flight schedule earlier this year
Short-haul business class flights will rise by an extra €30 (£26), while tickets for longer flights are set to increase by €120 (£105).
The French government initially argued that increased taxes would yield financial benefits, but has since faced significant pushback from across the aviation industry.
Ryanair’s boss, Michael O’Leary, previously said the airline would limit its travel capacity across France if the government went ahead with plans to increase air travel taxes.
Speaking to Le Parisien at the time, he branded a significant tax hike on air travel ‘unjustified’, maintaining that the industry does not contribute a large amount of revenue.
O’Leary further suggested the airline could double its annual passenger numbers in France by 2030 if the government was to reconsider its decision.
French transport minister Philippe Tabarot has since accused Ryanair of employing ‘aggressive’ tactics in an effort to ‘evade their obligations.’
The ongoing dispute follows Ryanair’s announcement to cancel flights to popular holiday destinations in France this winter.
In response to France’s rising ‘solidarity tax’ on air fares, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said in August the budget airline will cut down services to the European country.
Ryanair’s boss, Michael O’Leary (pictured), branded a significant tax hike on air travel ‘unjustified’, maintaining that the industry does not contribute a large amount of revenue
The tax increase means companies will be charged €7.40 (£6.40) per ticket, up from €2.63 (£2.28).
Now, this winter Ryanair will reduce its flights to France by 13 per cent and stop journeys completely to and from Bergerac and Brive airports.
The two airports serve Dordogne, a popular destination for Brits.
While services to Strasbourg, in eastern France, will also come to a halt.
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Ryanair to scrap even MORE flights across Europe
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