Ryanair has announced it will cease operations at Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg airports, resulting in a 13% reduction in its capacity in France for the winter of 2025.

This decision follows a significant increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets, which rose from €2.63 to €7.40, prompting the airline to cancel 25 routes and eliminate 750,000 seats.

Ryanair argues that if the French government were to eliminate this tax, it could lead to a $2.5 billion investment, the addition of 25 new aircraft, and the creation of 750 new jobs in the country.

The airline's commercial director, Jason McGuinness, noted that airline margins have only increased by 2% to 3% since 2019, making the tax hike particularly burdensome.

The tax increase, implemented in March 2025, has made France less competitive compared to other European countries that do not impose such taxes, pushing Ryanair to consider redirecting its capacity to markets with more favorable tax conditions.

Due to the competitive nature of the airline industry, companies are struggling to pass on the tax costs to consumers, which is leading them to seek profitability in other European markets.

McGuinness emphasized that the tax hike adversely affects regional connectivity, tourism, and local employment in France, particularly in regions served by low-cost airlines.

The French Airports Union has warned that the tax increase could drive low-cost airlines, which account for over 99% of activity at several French airports, to withdraw from the country.

Thomas Juin, president of the Union des aéroports français, highlighted the financial strain caused by the tax, noting that airlines typically make a profit of only €6 per passenger, while the new tax is €7 per ticket.

Ryanair has indicated it will redirect its investment to countries like Sweden, Hungary, and Italy unless the French government abolishes the air tax.

The cessation of Ryanair flights is expected to negatively impact local tourism, particularly affecting Anglo-Saxon residents and visitors to the affected airports.

As the French government seeks new revenue sources for a challenging budget in 2026, the aviation sector continues to advocate for a moratorium on the solidarity tax and greater fiscal stability.