The knife has fallen. After threatening to drastically reduce its offer in France as a result of the increase in air taxes, the low-cost Ryanair has taken action. The company has announced a 13 % reduction in its capacity in France this winter, resulting in the loss of 750,000 seats, the cancellation of 25 routes and the cessation of operations at the airports of BergeracBrive and Strasbourg.
This decision follows the French government's failure to reverse the excessive increase in air tax. The tax has been in force since March 2025, this tax increased by 180 %. This announcement comes after numerous warnings from French airlines and airports. They criticised the new tax, which would make many routes to France unprofitable. Particularly for regional airports and during the winter season.
After Bordeaux, three other bases closed
Ryanair already closed its Bordeaux base last year after airport taxes were increased. 40 lines had disappeared which are now reflected in the development of air traffic at Mérignac. Passenger numbers fell by 14% in the first half of the year. on the platform...
Ryanair explains that France is less and less competitive compared with other EU countries. And it cites Ireland, Spain and Poland, which do not impose any air taxes. The carrier also points out that Sweden, Hungary and certain regions of Italy have recently abolished taxes. This is stimulating traffic, tourism, employment and economic recovery.
In response to this government tax, Ryanair to cease operations to Bergerac, Brive and Strasbourg. Bergerac has already made it known, through the mouth of the President of the Dordogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that the airport could close for good.
The airline will be reducing capacity to several other French airports from November onwards. This entirely avoidable loss of connectivity will be disastrous for French regional connectivity, employment and tourism.
Without urgent action, theFrance risks being marginalised by more competitive markets in the summer of 2026. She " will leave regional airports half-empty, while other EU countries will continue to attract airline investment" describes the company in a press release.
If the government decided to abolish the air tax altogether, Ryanair could then look forward to ambitious growth in France. Or 2.5 billion investment (25 new aircraft), doubling traffic to over 30 million passengers a year. And the creation of 750 additional jobs at Ryanair in the French regions.
Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, commented on the company's decision. "It is unacceptable that a major European country like France should lag so far behind the rest of the EU, with traffic still below pre-Covid levels, because of excessive taxes and security charges imposed by the government".
And to explain in a thinly veiled threat. "Unless the government changes course and abolishes this unfair air tax, Ryanair's capacity and investment in France will inevitably be redirected to more competitive European markets.
For its part, the Union des Aéroports Français deplores Ryanair's position, explaining nonetheless that it was foreseeable.
