If the journey takes less than 2.5 hours by train, flying is prohibited, according to France's latest climate policy decree.

The decision, made by the French National Assembly late Saturday night, concerns domestic flights and is part of President Emmanuel Macron's broader climate package, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Domestic airlines have been hit hard by travel restrictions during the pandemic, and industry representatives have strongly criticized the timing. But this is dismissed by Industry Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

”"We know that aviation contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and that climate change means that emissions must be reduced," she tells radio channel Europe 1.

The aviation industry can, however, rejoice at last week's announcement that the state will invest four billion euros in struggling Air France. The Minister of Industry states that she sees no contradiction between the state subsidy and the new climate change law.

”We also need to support our companies and not let them collapse,” says Pannier-Runacher.

Climate activists have argued for even stricter legislation and a ban on air travel where the distance is equivalent to four hours by train.

The flight ban must be passed by the Senate, and then considered again in the National Assembly, before it becomes law.

Source: TT