how air taxes increase the bill

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You probably felt it when you booked your vacation. Since 2022, the prices of plane tickets from France have increased. But did you know that almost half of the price, 40% to be exact, of your plane ticket can be made up of taxes? As Air Journal explains on November 22, 2024, air taxes in France bring together several levies, brought together under the tax on passenger air transport (TTAP). These contributions, obligatory for airlines, are divided into several categories.

Among them is the civil aviation taxwhich finances the activities of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). Unlike other European countries where this financing is provided by the State, France requires airlines to bear this burden. To this is added the safety and security taxdedicated to sovereign missions in airports. Here again, France stands out by leaving operators responsible for these investments, an exception among OECD countries. Finally, the so-called Chirac taxintended for development aid to disadvantaged countries, was increased in 2020 by an eco-contribution aimed at supporting railway infrastructure, a commitment reinforced in the 2025 finance bill.

A debate on infrastructure financing

In addition to government taxes, airport and navigation fees are added to finance the services offered at airports. These amounts cover in particular passenger reception, ground equipment, and air traffic control services. Passengers also pay a tfocus on airborne noise pollution (TNSA) and VAT, contributing to the final bill. Faced with the complexity of these charges, Air France recently published an infographic breaking down ticket prices, illustrating the distribution of costs on domestic and international flights. This approach aims to raise travelers' awareness of the impact of taxes on the final price.

If these tax revenues make it possible to maintain modern and secure infrastructures, they also give rise to debates on their distribution. Some experts criticize the disproportionate weight borne by French airlines, particularly in comparison with other European countries. For passengers, this translates into higher prices, particularly on domestic flights, where the share of taxes can be even higher.