Here's some news that's going to spoil the holidays for the French air transport sector. The government, still desperate to close the public accounts deficit, is considering taxing... air transport! The idea is extremely original. But it's true that the measure is well received by some sections of public opinion, particularly the ecologists. And thatit is politically correct since it penalises polluters and other "rich" people who still dare to take the plane...
While the Elysée supports the creation of a new tax on premium class travellers and jet users, a new financial levy would affect all air passengers. According to the Bayrou government's plans, it would hit the domestic air transport.
There are many possible solutions. For example, the government is considering aligning the taxation of paraffin used for aircraft with that of other fuels. This would mean the reintroduction of the TICPE (domestic consumption tax on energy products) on domestic routes. Such a measure would increase the average cost of a return ticket by €60. However, according to the experts, it would not bring in much for the national budget: 660 million euros. But anything's fair game in lean times!
Another option under consideration would be to doubling VAT on airline tickets. It would go from 10% to 20 %. This would confirm the politicians' notion of air transport as a "luxury product". Once again, airlines are likely to pass on this increase to passengers.
And since good ideas for squeezing air passengers are legion, we're talking about a special tax of one euro per passenger landing at and departing from Ile-de-France airports. To finance the public transport network. Ideas that are sure to make the recent plan attractive. "Connect Francewhich is supposed to enhance the attractiveness of the Roissy CDG hub. And it was launched just 10 days ago with a great deal of publicity.
