The planned increase in France¡¯s Airline Ticket Solidarity Tax has come into effect, despite heavy criticism from aviation groups.

France¡¯s new prime minister Francois Bayrou has moved forward with the previous administration¡¯s planned tax increases on flights. Transport unions had complained that the tax increase has been carried out ¡°without any consultation or impact study¡±.

The rise in the Airline Ticket Solidarity Tax applies to all domestic and international flights from France and came into effect on Saturday (1 March). Rates had originally been due to increase for departures from 1 January 2025 but this was suspended after the previous French government collapsed in December.

For domestic and intra-Europe flights, the tax rises from €2.63 to €7.40 per passenger for economy bookings and from €20.27 to €30 in business class.

Tax rates for mid-haul flights of less than 5,500 kilometres have risen from €7.51 to €15 for economy and premium economy passengers. While those travelling in business and first class have seen the tax rise from €63.07 to €80 per passenger.

For long-haul flights of more than 5,500 kilometres, the French aviation tax has increased from €7.51 to €40 in economy and premium economy cabins, while those in business and first class have seen the tax rise from €63.07 to €120.

Air France-KLM said that these new tax rates were already applicable to all bookings for flights departing from 1 March. This includes bookings ¡°already made¡± before the tax was introduced.