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France is currently the undisputed leader in global tourism. No other country attracts more travelers. In 2024, around 89.4 million international tourists were expected to visit France, outpacing the U.S., Spain, and China. However, travelers departing from France to explore the country or return home will need to budget a bit more for their flights. The reason: a recent increase in the “solidarity tax” applied to airline tickets.
The decision has certainly caused a stir.
Context. On March 1, France updated its solidarity tax on airplane tickets, commonly referred to as the TSBA or “Chirac tax” after former French President Jacques Chirac. The increase was anticipated in the 2025 French budget, which was approved in February after a complicated process that led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
What exactly is the TSBA? The solidarity tax is an international tax applied to the price of airline tickets. Authorities determine the tax amount, and it’s then up to the airlines to decide whether to absorb this cost or pass it on to their passengers by raising ticket prices. The tax aims to fund international aid programs. The French government advocates for its equitable and ecological purpose.
In early January, minister for public accounts Amélie de Montchalin was asked her opinion on the tax increase during an interview with Le Parisien. Her response was clear: “I’m in favor. It’s a measure of fiscal and ecological justice. 20% of the population with the highest income is responsible for more than half the money spent on air travel.”
How much and where will it go up? The French government recently outlined the changes to the tax structure affecting air travel. The official page categorizes destinations into three groups: “Destinations in France or Europe,” “Intermediate destinations,” and “Far-away destinations,” which refer to flights traveling more than 3,400 miles.
The page also provides details on the applicable fees for each category, which vary based on the type of aircraft. For instance, travelers on economy tickets will incur different charges compared to those in business class or those using private jets.
New fees. The fee for economy and short-haul flights within France or flights from France to European destinations will increase from around $3 to $8. For intermediate routes, the fee will rise to about $16. Meanwhile, the charge for long-haul destinations will be about $43, excluding routes to Corsica and overseas territories.
The tax for business class travelers will range from around $33 to $130, depending on the flight duration. For private jet users, the TSBA fee will range from around $230 to $2,300 for trips over 3,400 miles.
The French government emphasizes that the actual impact of these new taxes on airline ticket prices will depend on whether airlines choose to absorb the costs.
What do the airlines have to say? Some have been quite vocal about their concerns. Air France has labeled the recent tax increase as “irresponsible,” criticizing it as a “tax to access France.” The airline estimates that this change will cost it around $109 million, especially troubling following the challenges faced during the pandemic.
“France is the country where air transport is the most heavily taxed in Europe. For the last 20 years, we have lost 1-2% of the market a year to foreign airlines. There is a risk of moving the benefit that our air travel generates to other countries,” an Air France representative told Le Parisien. This tax hike comes as France seeks to promote less polluting alternatives to air travel for short journeys.
Will the tax impact France’s economy? Ryanair’s reaction hasn’t been positive either. CEO Michael O’Leary accused France of going “against the tide” and warned that “Europe will not become more efficient or competitive by over-taxing airfares.”
“France is already a high-tax country and if it increases already high taxes further, we will probably reduce our capacity [to and from France,” O’Leary added. He further pointed out the risk that only the wealthy might afford flights, which could negatively impact France’s finances at a time when international tourism is booming.
Images | Edoardo Bortoli | France’s Public Service
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