The French government has reduced the solidarity tax on airplane tickets (TSBA) for 26 specific routes, effective from June 1. The move is intended to make air travel more affordable, particularly for routes considered poorly served by other transport options.
The tax was raised in March 2025 from €2.63 to €7.40 per passenger for all flights departing from France. Under the new measure, passengers on selected routes will see the tax return to the original rate of €2.63, representing a 65% reduction and a saving of €4.77 per ticket.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the update this week, stating: "By making these routes more affordable, this measure reflects the government’s commitment to supporting connectivity in the least well-served regions and to reducing the cost of air travel to and from these destinations."
The affected routes are mostly domestic, including flights to and from Corsica, which have a special 'public service' status due to limited alternative transport. International connections to Strasbourg are also included. British travellers flying from UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Southampton could benefit when connecting to these routes.
The TSBA was originally introduced in 2005 under Jacques Chirac's government and was doubled in 2024, a move that Ryanair blamed for its withdrawal from some regional French airports. The tax is charged at a sliding rate based on flight length and ticket class.
