“Ryanair is currently reviewing its French programs and expects to reduce capacity to and from French regional airports by up to 50% from January 2025 if the French government continues its short-sighted plan,” said Ryanair's commercial director. Irish low-cost carrier, Jason McGuinness, quoted in a press release.
Will Nantes be part of it?
Ryanair currently serves 22 airports in France, including two close to the Paris region: Beauvais (Oise) and Vatry (Marne). The regional airports affected by the end of operations would therefore be among the 20 others. Ryanair did not cite any on Wednesday.
The company also did not wish to say to what extent its total supply in France would be reduced if it carried out its threat. It hopes to transport 5.7 million people there this year, an increase of 19% compared to 2023.
Looking for funds to reduce a larger-than-expected budget deficit, the government included in its 2025 finance bill (PLF) a tripling of the solidarity tax on plane tickets (TSBA) and an increase of the taxation of private jet passengers, for a total of one billion euros.
“The impact of increasing taxes on passengers will be most detrimental for regional France, which depends on competitive access costs,” argued Mr. McGuinness, estimating that this increase “will make many routes to and from unviable regional France”.
France
