France’s Solidarity Flight Tax Under Fire

EBAA France says the solidarity flight tax risks shrinking France’s charter market.

The French Business Aviation Association (EBAA France) went public on November 5, 2025 to demand urgent reform of the country’s solidarity flight tax, arguing the levy undermines competitiveness and could make charter operations in France unsustainable. The association says the current structure penalises business aviation and may drive clients and operators to other European hubs.

In its statement, EBAA France framed the tax as a direct threat to the French charter sector, saying reduced activity would not only affect flight operators but also ground services, maintenance providers and regional airports across France.

Why the solidarity flight tax matters

Business aviation — including on-demand charter and corporate jet operators — supports corporate connectivity, urgent freight and ad-hoc travel that scheduled airlines often cannot serve. EBAA France warns that the solidarity flight tax reduces demand for these services and weakens France’s position versus nearby markets that offer more competitive tax regimes.

• Impact on operators: EBAA France says the solidarity flight tax raises costs for charter operators, risks fewer flights and could push business to neighbouring countries.
• Broader effects: Less charter activity can reduce revenue for airports, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities and FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) in France.
• Regulatory ask: The association is urging policymakers to review the levy and consider targeted exemptions or a revised framework that preserves fairness without crippling the sector.

The association’s appeal arrives amid wider industry lobbying in Paris and Brussels. EBAA France is asking for consultations with Finance Ministry officials and lawmakers to seek concrete amendments that protect both tax revenue objectives and the competitiveness of French business aviation.

While the group did not publish specific economic figures in its November 5, 2025 release, the tone underlines an urgent push: if left unchanged, EBAA France believes the solidarity flight tax will prompt a measurable pullback in charter operations and related services across France.

Sources

• Aviation International News