Ryanair Cuts Flights and Exits Three French Airports Due to Tax Hike
Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, announced significant operational adjustments in France following the government’s increased air transport taxes. The Irish carrier will reduce its capacity to the country by 13% during the winter season, eliminating 750,000 seats and canceling 25 routes.
Three Airports Off the Map
Starting this winter, Ryanair will cease operations at three French airports: Strasbourg in the east, and Bergerac and Brive in the southwest. The airline attributes this decision to the lack of competitiveness in the French market compared to other European destinations with more favorable tax conditions.
Key Factor: The New Environmental Tax
The move is directly linked to France’s newly implemented air transport tax, which Ryanair describes as a barrier to competitiveness. According to Jason McGuinness, the airline’s Commercial Director, this levy puts France at a disadvantage compared to countries like Spain, Poland, and Ireland, where operating costs are lower.
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Double Blow: Taxes and Strikes
The tax increase isn’t the only issue. Ryanair also cited thousands of cancellations this summer due to strikes by French air traffic controllers, which resulted in multimillion-euro losses for airlines operating in the country. These two factors—strikes and taxes—have prompted Ryanair to reorganize its European network strategy.
Far from slowing its expansion, the airline has redirected capacity to markets with more favorable policies. As Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, stated: “We have reallocated significant capacity to countries and regions where environmental taxes are being scrapped and airport fees are far more competitive.”
One example is Sweden, where the government has abolished the air transport tax, and Ryanair has begun opening new routes to capitalize on the more accessible fiscal environment.
Ryanair’s move serves as a warning for France’s aviation sector. Fiscal and labor decisions have direct consequences on the country’s connectivity.
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