PARIS – French pilots are preparing for a possible strike as tensions rise over the government’s proposed tax increase on air travel, a measure set to take effect in January 2025.
The French National Pilots Union (SNPL), representing pilots from Air France and other carriers with French labor contracts, warned that the levy could lead to massive job losses, destabilizing the national airline industry and placing France at a competitive disadvantage within Europe.
“This additional tax will ultimately lead to tens of thousands of job losses in France,” the SNPL said in a statement issued on Sunday. The union described the measure as a “social disaster” that would weaken French operators relative to their European and international competitors.
The government aims to triple the current aviation levy, which will apply to flights in and out of France. The tax hike, expected to generate €1 billion annually, is part of a broader environmental strategy included in the 2025 budget draft.
While the levy applies to flights within France, routes serving Corsica and France’s overseas territories will be exempt.
Economy-class fares are anticipated to rise by €2.60 to €9.50 per passenger for European flights and by up to €40 on long-haul journeys, while business-class fares on long-haul flights could surge by as much as €120.
The proposal has drawn ire from the aviation sector, which warns that additional financial strain could hinder post-pandemic recovery. Air France-KLM recently reported a larger-than-expected decline in its quarterly operating results, attributing the slump to heightened operating costs.
The airline cautioned that the proposed tax hike could erode its financial performance by an estimated €90 to €170 million in 2025. Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith highlighted the likely impact on customers, stating that the tax could drive up ticket prices and reduce travel accessibility within France.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government is facing significant obstacles in passing the tax increase, as the ruling coalition does not hold a majority in parliament.
Debate over the levy has already spurred intense discussions in the National Assembly and the conservative-controlled Senate, raising questions about the measure’s survival in the final budget.
The proposal has intensified broader debates about France’s environmental policies, with some green groups calling for a “frequent flyer tax” to curb emissions from air travel.
France’s push to regulate emissions comes as the country addresses a mounting climate crisis, with specific attention on reducing the carbon footprint of aviation, particularly from private jets.
The prospect of a pilot strike this week adds to concerns over the impact on air travel. A similar walkout by air traffic controllers at Paris Orly Airport in May, over staff shortages, led to widespread flight disruptions.
While it remains unclear how many pilots might participate in Thursday’s potential strike, the move could cause substantial scheduling delays across the country.
As budget negotiations continue, industry stakeholders and government officials await a final decision on the tax proposal. If the measure is adopted, France’s aviation industry may face sweeping changes, while travelers could soon feel the effects of higher fares and possible flight delays.
