France to raise flight taxes and boost rail travel

France is to raise taxes on airline tickets as a way to encourage people to travel on more environmentally friendly planes.

French Transport Minister Clément Beaune announced the planned measures, which follow the banning on short-haul flights within the country.

“Many people are shocked by the fact that it’s often cheaper to take a flight than a train,” Beaune said..

The changes will be applied to routes between Paris and regional cities like such as Lyon, Nantes and Bordeaux.

The tax increase could be included in France's 2024 budget, Travel Mole reported.

‘In a climate crisis, giving tax exemptions to a super polluting sector is incompatible with the challenges of today,” said Jo Dardenne, aviation director at campaign group Transport and Environment.

Airlines for Europe, which obviously has a vested interest, criticised the move.

“France already imposes some of the EU’s steepest flight taxes," the organisaton said. "Hiking them further will not guarantee more funding for decarbonisation.”

The French government plans to use the taxes raised to finance an expansion and improvement of its rail sector to the tune of €100 million.

Speaking personally, I have always preferred taking trains to planes for trips within France, particularly the TGV (fast) services. 

The trains are invariably fast and efficient - unless there is a strike, which is nor unknown.