The European Commission has given the green light to the planned ban on short domestic flights within France. The government plans to ban ultra-short connections if there is an alternative by rail with a journey time of less than 2,5 hours.

However, the plans do not go far enough for self-proclaimed climate protectors, because the regulation also has a catch from which Air France primarily benefits. Connections that primarily function as feeders or connections from/to Paris-Charles de Gaulle are exempt for the time being for three years.

Specifically, this means that the ban primarily affects point-to-point traffic within France. Such domestic flights should no longer be allowed in the future if there is a rail connection with a travel time of less than 2,5 hours. After three years, the regulation is to be evaluated and then a decision is to be made on a possible continuation.

"I welcome the Commission's decision, which makes it possible to take new steps towards an effective flight ban when there is an alternative of less than 2h30 by train," said Clément Beaune, French delegate to the Minister of Transport. "This is a major effort and I am proud that France is at the forefront in this area."