This European country has banned short domestic flights, replacing them with train rides
France is serious about their commitment to combating climate change.
The country has banned short-haul domestic flights to align with its 2021 Climate Law. Travelers with a destination that can be replaced by a train journey of less than two and a half hours will now have to opt for a train ride instead of a flight.
The ban has been in the works since 2021. France’s National Assembly initially approved a law draft with a vote of 56 to 14. The European Commission gave the final approval in December 2022. The ban’s effectiveness will be reviewed after it has been in place for three years.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron is hoping the ban’s implementation will aid in cutting emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
According to CBS News, the ban is receiving mixed reactions from government and travel officials.
Transport Minister Clément Beaune has favored the regulation since it was introduced as part of France’s 2021 Climate Act. He claimed it was “a major step forward in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I am proud that France is a pioneer in this area,” he added.
Laurent Donceel, interim head of industry group Airlines for Europe, is amongst the group that thinks the ban will have a minuscule effect on carbon emissions. He insinuated the law was a “symbolic ban” and not the “real and significant solutions” the government should be focused on to cut airline emissions.
For the ban to be effective, there are several factors the government must consider to make train travel a more efficient alternative. The train services must provide frequent and timely travel, and must ensure that passengers arrive at their destination within the same day.
CBS News states Air France already canceled three routes deemed high on carbon emissions before the ban’s implementation on Tuesday. Several airlines are still offering alternate pathways to destinations that will rival the newly favored train rides.
The outlawing of short flights is just one initiative European airlines are tackling to lower emissions. Air France plans to renew its fleet to cut carbon emissions and increase its use of sustainable aviation fuel.
As France’s national airline, Air France has entered into a train and air partnership with France’s national rail company, SNCF. The partnership allows travelers to combine and compare plane and train reservations in one booking. This availability will allow people to quickly choose the best method of travel.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.