French airports are bracing for potential line cuts following the anticipated tax increases outlined in the 2027 budget. This alarming situation primarily affects regional routes, which provide Moroccan residents in France with direct access to their homeland without relying on major transportation hubs.
The budget bill, introduced on October 1, has sparked outrage among airport operators. Thomas Juin, a representative for the French Airports Union (UAF), expressed his shock, stating, "We are astounded," as reported by bladi.net. Juin had hoped for at least a fiscal pause after the increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets that took effect in 2025.
The newly proposed budget includes two significant tax measures. The maximum rate for the tax on the operation of major transport infrastructures is set to rise from 4.6% to 12.2%. Furthermore, for smaller regional airports, the cap on the fee intended to fund safety and security will increase from €20 to €22 per passenger, as clarified in a UAF press release dated October 2.
While these taxes target different stakeholders, airport managers are concerned that they will further weaken the financial viability of regional routes. Low-cost airlines have the ability to relocate their operations to other countries when the revenues from a specific route no longer adequately cover the associated costs.
In July 2025, Ryanair had already cited the French tax regime as a reason for announcing a 13% reduction in its winter capacity, resulting in the cancellation of 750,000 seats and 25 routes. Among the affected routes was the direct service from Strasbourg to Agadir, which was subsequently taken over by Volotea.
Impact on Travelers to Morocco
The repercussions of these decisions are tangible for travelers heading to Morocco. Since Ryanair ceased operations from Clermont-Ferrand in March 2026, the direct connection to Fès has been eliminated. Moroccan families residing in the Auvergne region are now compelled to travel to Lyon or Toulouse, or opt for a ferry journey.
This cancellation prompted a petition that garnered over a thousand signatures. One family interviewed by Radio Scoop lamented that their trips to Morocco had decreased from four annually to just one. The additional travel to another airport incurs extra costs and adds several hours to their journey, further inflating the overall ticket price.
The situation in Strasbourg exacerbates their frustration. The budget includes a tax exemption for solidarity to maintain its route against neighboring airports. The UAF is advocating for similar considerations for other regions and is calling for the abandonment of the increased safety and security fee.
As reported by bladi.net.
