After months of debate, it is now done. It will no longer be possible to make a domestic flight in France of less than 2h30, when an equivalent train journey exists. This project, which is part of the 2021 climate law, is therefore adopted this Tuesday, May 23 in the Official Journal, after having obtained the green light from the European Commission and the Council of State.
Clément Beaune, the Minister of Transport was “welcomed by the publication of the decree”, which he describes as “an essential step” and “a strong symbol” in order to “achieve carbon neutrality”, by decarbonizing transport which represents no less than a third of emissions. “This measure is a world first which is fully in line with the government’s policy of encouraging the use of modes of transport that emit less greenhouse gases”, he reacted for BFMTV.
The rail alternative remains the most viable after the plane. At least that is what is claimed with this measure, aiming for carbon neutrality. The decree in question indicates that “regular public air passenger transport services prohibited by II of Article L.6412-3 of the Transport Code are those for which a substitutable rail link provides, in each direction, a less than two and a half hours”.
With the immediate disappearance of certain domestic flights, travelers could be seduced by the train-plane duo, as indicated by Le Figaro. Indeed, a partnership between the SNCF and various airlines already exists, created 25 years ago. Little known, this initiative aims to use both modes of transport with a single ticket and a single reservation. The main advantage of this service is that if you miss a connection, you can be placed on the next flight or train free of charge.
Note that the decree published this Tuesday, May 23 in the Official Journal, is valid for a period of three years. The measure will undergo a review 24 months after its entry into force.
Find out now which flights are impacted by the measure, in our slideshow below.
