Ryanair leaves several French airports: reasons and consequences for passengers

Despite record profits in the first half of the financial year, Ryanair has decided to scale back its operations in France. The company explains that this is because the government has significantly increased taxes on air travel, making it unprofitable to operate from regional airports. Find out how tax reform has influenced the airline's decision and which routes will be closed

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Budget airline Ryanair has announced that it will cease operations at a number of regional airports in France. The reason for this decision was a significant increase in air transport taxes included in the draft state budget for 2026. This was reported by the Daily Express.

Ryanair criticizes 180% tax increase

According to the carrier's representatives, the increase in the tax burden has made operating at small French airports “economically unviable.” The company's commercial director, Jason McGuinness, said that Ryanair has already refused to cooperate with Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry, and in the coming months, the list of airports from which the company will withdraw will expand.

“The 180% tax increase makes these airports unprofitable for us,” McGinnis said.

According to the French government's plans, an additional €4.77 (over UAH 230) will be added to the price of each ticket, both domestic and European.

In addition, business class tickets for long-haul flights will be subject to an additional fee of up to €120.

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Record profits and base reductions in France

Ryanair's announcement came three days after the publication of record financial results for the first half of the 2025-2026 financial year. From April to September:

the company's net profit reached €2.54 billion,

which is 42% more than last year.

The company attributes the growth to higher ticket prices,

and the passenger traffic forecast has been raised to 207 million passengers.

Despite strong financial performance, Ryanair says that tax changes are making it unprofitable to operate in France.

Ryanair management's position

CEO Michael O'Leary stressed that if taxes continue to rise, Ryanair will be forced to cut the number of flights in France even further.

He called the increase in fees “unjustified” and stressed that the aviation sector does not generate enough revenue to justify such a tax burden.

O'Leary also said that the company is ready to double passenger traffic in France by 2030, but only if the government abolishes additional taxes.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarou criticized Ryanair's statements, accusing the company of “aggressive strategies” and attempts to pressure the government.

He stressed that the tax increase was necessary to balance the budget and finance environmental initiatives, although he acknowledged the “very harsh reaction” from representatives of the aviation market.

Reduction in flights and passenger traffic

The tax increase came at a time when Ryanair had already reduced its capacity in France by 11% in the winter, despite launching 31,000 additional flights compared to last year.

According to the company, demand also declined due to:

disruptions in the French air traffic control service,

the loss of approximately 7.3 million passengers,

frequent strikes and delays.

The company has already left Strasbourg, Vatry, Bergerac, and Brive, and more than 100 flights have been canceled in Béziers for the winter period.

What does this mean for air passengers?

The reduction in routes may lead to:

a decrease in the number of budget tickets on French routes;

an increase in fares at regional airports;

the redirection of passengers to large hubs where Ryanair will continue to operate;

the risk of further flight reductions if tax policy does not change.

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