The tripling of the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA), had recently been announced by the government, as part of the Finance Bill (PLF) 2025. The censure imposed by the Barnier government suspended this measure, initially scheduled to come into effect on January 1. However, it could be re-examined in the near future. Indeed, Amélie de Montchalin, the new Minister for Public Accounts, said in an interview with Le Parisien in early January that she was in favor of raising the solidarity tax on airline tickets.
This decision aims to generate nearly 1 billion euros a year, with 850 million coming from scheduled airlines and 150 million from business aviation. This tax shock could come in a sector already weakened by the health crisis and global economic challenges.
If passed, the changes to the TSBA will particularly affect short-haul flights, where the tax will rise from 2.63 to 9 euros in economy class, and from 20.27 to 30 euros in business class. This significant increase in ticket costs could divert passengers to alternatives such as rail, which is more competitive on short-haul routes and in line with growing environmental expectations.
The Syndicat des Compagnies Aériennes Autonomes (SCARA) has already expressed serious concerns, calling the tax "suicide for the industry" in the absence of any impact study or consultation. The Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne (SNPL) and the UAF airports association have also warned of a massive destruction of air links, particularly at regional airports, threatening thousands of jobs.
