Travel
Air France suspends collection of increased rates of aviation tax
Air France has announced that it has suspended the collection of a proposed threefold increase in the country’s civil aviation tax after it was not adopted by the French parliament.
The outgoing French government had planned to increase the charge, known as the Airline Ticket Solidarity Tax (TSBA), significantly for departing passengers in 2025. The measure had been part of a failed budget that led to the downfall of French prime minister Michel Barnier’s administration last week.
Air France had started to collect the increased rates of TSBA on 24 October for departures from 1 January 2025. But the airline has now suspended this policy from 7 December.
In a statement, Air France said that tickets issued from 7 December for travel in 2025 would only include the 2024 rates of TSBA, while those passengers who have already been charged the higher charges for 2025 flights would be refunded the difference between the two rates.
“Air France made a commitment to make adjustments to ensure that the amount collected is equal to the amount actually due in respect of the TSBA, in the event of a change to the scale, or if the amendment was abandoned or rejected. This commitment will be honoured,” added the airline.
The proposed increases in TSBA for 2025 would have seen the tax increased from €2.60 per passenger to €9.50 for economy domestic and intra-Europe flights. Long-haul flights would have seen an increase from €7.40 to €40 per passenger in economy or premium cabins, and from €63.07 to €120 for business class travellers.
These planned rises in the aviation tax led to strikes by France’s air transport unions last month.
The airline said that customers booking directly with Air France can request refunds from its website from 12 December, while those booking through agencies should “contact their point of sale”.
“Refunds will be prioritised according to the customer’s departure date,” added Air France.
The group behind a new European soccer competition has resurfaced. Here’s what they propose – WTOP News
Report Highlights Fiction Downturn in Europe – WORLD SCREEN
Space exploration: A key industry for Europe’s future
Champions Cup: Ex-Springboks skipper dismisses travel concerns and diagnoses real ‘issue’ with South African sides in Europe
Penta Infra shapes European growth plans with new shareholder
Alstom and OnTrain Unite for Multinational Rail Expansion Across Europe – Travel And Tour World
How UK inflation compares to Europe and the rest of the world
Taiwan Shines as a Prime Destination For French Tourists, According To New Travel Data From Skyscanner And Expedia – Travel And Tour World
This Airlines Connects Kuusamo, Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo with New Flight Routes to Lapland: New Update for Tourists Travelling to North Europe – Travel And Tour World
.jpeg?tr=w-1200%2Cfo-auto "Heathrow announces £2.3bn infrastructure investment")