Starting March 1, France introduced a new departure tax that increases the per-passenger cost of private flights. Designed to support environmental initiatives, the measure is expected to generate up to €1 billion in public revenue.
The tax applies to all private jet departures from French airports, with rates determined by flight distance and aircraft type. Distances are calculated from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), regardless of where the flight actually departs. Flights within France are also subject to an additional 10% VAT.
Tax Rates:
- Short-haul (<1,000 km): €210 per passenger for turboprops; €420 for jets
- Medium-haul (1,000–5,500 km): €675 per passenger for turboprops; €1,015 for jets
- Long-haul (>5,500 km): €1,025 per passenger for turboprops; €2,100 for jets
The French government’s decision to tax private flights is part of its 2025 fiscal policies, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of private flights:
- Often criticized for high CO2 emissions compared to commercial flight
- To regulate a sector considered a luxury accessible to few
This measure forms part of a broader strategy to reduce aviation-related carbon emissions in line with the European Union’s sustainability goals.