France Implements Short Haul Flight Ban, Encouraging Train Travel for Sustainability

France has enacted new legislation that encourages domestic travelers to opt for trains rather than planes. Starting today, French domestic flights with a duration of less than 150 minutes will be banned if there is a suitable train alternative available. This initiative aligns with France’s commitment to providing sustainable travel solutions and reducing carbon emissions in domestic travel.

The long-awaited ban on short-haul domestic flights officially came into effect at midnight. The French government decree prohibits air travel for journeys that can be completed within two-and-a-half hours by rail. Furthermore, private jet usage for short trips is also being restricted to promote greener and fairer transportation options for the entire population.

The legislation follows a two-year period since lawmakers voted to discontinue routes where train travel is a viable alternative. As a result, passenger air travel between Paris and cities like Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux is now ruled out, although connecting flights remain unaffected by the ban. The ban is expected to expand to include more routes as France continues to enhance its domestic rail services. Routes between Paris, Lyon, and Rennes could potentially be added in the future.

It is worth noting that some routes, such as those between Paris and the main airports Charles De Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), do not currently meet the ban criteria. This is because the train schedules from these cities to the airports do not accommodate early morning or late evening arrivals.

Critics of the new law argue that the cutoff point of two hours and 30 minutes falls short of the approximately three-hour journey from Paris to Marseille, a major Mediterranean port city accessible by high-speed rail. They perceive the ban as symbolic and criticize it for not encompassing longer journeys.

The law emphasizes the importance of frequent, timely, and well-connected train services to adequately serve passengers who would otherwise choose air travel. Additionally, the alternative rail services must be capable of accommodating the increased number of passengers transitioning from air to rail.

The legislation stipulates that individuals should be able to make round-trip train journeys on the same day, spending a minimum of eight hours at their destination. France aims to provide sustainable travel options and ensure that the needs of travelers are met as the country strives for more eco-friendly domestic transportation.