In a move that has airlines sighing into their life vests and environmentalists high-fiving compost bins, France has implemented a new law banning short-haul domestic flights where a train journey of less than two and a half hours exists as a viable and rather scenic alternative. The law, which took effect after much discussion, deliberation and the occasional existential shrug, primarily targets flights between Paris Orly and destinations such as Bordeaux, Nantes and Lyon, although commuters can rest easy knowing their ability to fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle remains intact. Apparently, the skies are still open to business travel and connecting flights, provided one is willing to perform a reasonable interpretative dance of justification.
The measure was part of a wider climate bill that passed in 2021, although this airborne axing only recently got clearance from the European Commission. Critics of the ban have grumbled like passengers discovering their gate changed at the last minute, pointing out that the ban covers only a small fraction of domestic flights which, ironically, may do little to dent France’s overall carbon footprint. Nevertheless, the government insists this is a meaningful step in reducing emissions and showing leadership, presumably while holding up one of those small directional flags on a runway.
France’s Minister of Transport, Clément Beaune, championed the ban as a “symbol of a credible policy of decarbonization.” The symbolism of course being that travelers near enough to a high-speed train must now take the train, as sustainability now slips into the conductor’s cap.
Airlines such as Air France, which had already been coaxed into ending the affected short flights as part of a state bailout during the pandemic, are now left to focus on less eco-awkward routes. Ryanair, who had previously questioned why the ban would not affect private jets taking similar routes with what one can only assume is a very smug carbon footprint, is presumably still filing that comment under “angrily pending.”
Environmental groups have cautiously applauded the move, though they are keen to remind everyone that a bit more than a handful of flights must eventually come under scrutiny if the planet is to be saved without simply hoping it does so politely.
The skies may be marginally less crowded, and while France’s high-speed trains toot in triumph, passengers are still advised to brace for strikes and delays instead of turbulence and baggage fees.
At least on the train, your croissant is less likely to be €7 and frozen in the middle.