France Plans to Triple Aviation Solidarity Tax

France plans to triple its solidarity tax on aviation by 2025, aiming to raise over €1 billion to support environmental goals, which will significantly increase flight costs, particularly on long-haul routes. However, the proposal has met with strong opposition from airline industry groups, who warn that such tax increases could harm the French economy, reduce competitiveness, and jeopardize investments in aviation decarbonization. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and European aviation bodies argue that increased taxes could lead to slower recovery from the pandemic and reduce the aviation sector's economic contributions. Critics also highlight that other European countries have rolled back similar taxes due to their negative economic impacts. They urge the French government to conduct a thorough impact assessment before implementation, raising concerns about the potential decline in passenger numbers and the adverse effects on tourism and employment.