The European Union has just officially approved France’s ban on short-haul flights. The first of its kind in the EU, the ban on domestic flights is intended to push travelers onto more eco-friendly train lines.
While the future of the short-haul flight ban is uncertain, the European Commission has formally agreed to ban three of the proposed eight routes that French lawmakers decided to axe back in 2021.
Which French Routes Are Affected?
The European Commission has declared that the French plans for flight bans will only be approved in the case where “genuine” rail alternatives are available. These train options must cover the exact same route and offer direct connections each way daily.
By this definition, only the following domestic flights have been banned:
- Paris Orly to Bordeaux
- Paris Orly to Nantes
- Paris Orly to Lyon
The Future of French Rail Travel
It is important to note the ban doesn’t exist between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon and Rennes or between Lyon and Marseille. Currently, these routes lack the required train networks. French officials have said that rail service between these regions is in the planning process.
Flights Excluded from the Flight Ban
While rumors were spreading about bans on popular routes like Paris Charles de Gaulle to Bordeaux and Paris Charles de Gaulle Nantes, these would be exempt from the short-haul flight ban.
It’s essential to note that the ban isn’t a universal restriction covering all domestic flights but rather those with a rail journey time of under two hours and 30 minutes.
Why Short Haul Flights are Being Banned
Back in 2021, the French Parliament passed the Climate and Resilience Law to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.
Domestic flights create more than 133 g of CO2 emissions per kilometer traveled and an additional 121g in non-CO2 emissions. That is significantly higher than the 102g CO2 emission per km and 93g non-CO2 emissions caused by long-haul flights. By contrast, domestic rail creates only 41 g of total emissions per km and Eurostar trains only create 6g of emissions.
Climatic activists have long argued that reducing air travel is fundamental to environmental protection. Greenpeace, amongst others, has insisted that all EU flights with rail alternatives under six hours should be banned.
When Does the French Flight Ban Start?
No official start date has been confirmed as of yet though French officials have promised a 2023 enactment date.
