Travel Restrictions: Less Than 2.5 Hours by Train, No Flights!

The French State published a decree today prohibiting domestic flights where these trips are covered by train journeys of less than two hours and thirty minutes.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the decree published in the Official Journal today bans domestic flights when an alternative train trip of less than 2h30 exists. It was published today in the Official Journal. Starting tomorrow, according to the government, flights between Paris-Orly, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Lyon will no longer be available for purchase.

Clément Beaune, the Minister Delegate for Transport, welcomes the implementation of the decree, citing ecological reasons: “This is a crucial step and a strong symbol in the policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” The Minister of Transport indeed aims to promote train travel, which is less energy-intensive and less polluting.

However, what are the actual consequences of this measure for consumers?

Limited Impact

This decree does not appear to have been made in agreement with airlines or airports. Indeed, we were able to easily simulate a trip departing from Paris-Orly to Lyon with a connection via Nice or Marseille. This is not a direct flight, but rather two flights of 0h55 and 1h25 to reach the city of Lyon. A rather significant increase in CO₂ emissions.

Moreover, this decree published in the Official Journal only concerns commercial flights. Private jets and cargo planes are not affected by this measure. According to the government, trains will have to accommodate all these new passengers!

Since December 2022, the version of this ban approved by Brussels set up line restrictions. In particular, train lines had to be “without train changes between these stations, several times a day, with a satisfactory service” (according to La Tribune). This is quite restrictive and forces train companies to adapt their national network to meet this demand.

A unilateral measure by the government, which will likely have repercussions in the coming days. Stay tuned!

Read also: An investigation into ecological transition and the challenges for transport professionals