French Govt Plans to Raise Airline Ticket Solidarity Taxes

In a move that business aviation leaders call a direct attack on their industry, the French government is set to increase passenger taxes on private flights by up to 2,100 euros per passenger starting March 1.

“For business aviation passengers, the tax will be multiplied by 300,” expressed Charles Aguettant, president of EBAA France. “This will destroy businesses and jobs in France.”

The tax is part of the 2025 finance bill, which aims to generate 1 billion euros annually from air travel taxes. While all flights will see increases, business aviation will be hit the hardest, with some flights seeing tax hikes of up to 300% compared to previous rates.

Business aviation leaders argue that the tax is economically devastating and will discourage high-value travel in France. “Customers who are starting to discover these taxes are stunned," Aguettant said. "In the case of a round trip by jet with six passengers between, for example, La Roche-sur-Yon and Marseille, for which there is no valid alternative, the total amount of the tax will reach 5,040 euros. That is approximately 50% of the cost of the trip. This is simply unacceptable."

The National Federation of Aviation and its Professions (FNAM) and the Union of French Airports (UAF) have also condemned the move, arguing that it was implemented “without any consultation or impact study.” In a joint statement, they called for a review of “this recessive project” and expressed "regret" that the government is moving forward with the plan despite industry opposition.

The real kicker is that France’s aviation sector is already losing one percentage point of market share per year, with French airlines carrying just 37% of the country’s air passengers in 2024. Meanwhile, Aguettant pointed out that while France accounts for 16% of business aviation traffic in Europe, its companies only generate 10% of that traffic while paying 30% of the taxes.

Despite industry outrage, the French government remains committed to the tax increase, with the final details expected to be confirmed in the 2025 budget announcement in February.

FMI: https://ebaafrance.org