Europe

France Will No Longer Operate Short Haul Flights In an Effort to Reduce Carbon Emissions

The French government has decided to abolish flights between cities that can be reached for less than 2.5 hours by train, as an attempt to decrease the carbon emissions in the country, which is a joint goal for all European Unions.

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The new act of the legislature is part of the country’s 2021 Climate Law and was initiated by France’s Citizens’ Convention on Climate, a citizens’ assembly determined to find an alternative to carbon emissions in the country, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

New changes are approved also for the use of private jets for short journeys, which are also banned as the country is working to make transport greener and fair for the population.

Speaking on that matter, the French Minister for Transport, Clement Beaune said that the country could no longer afford the wealthy people to continue the use of private jets for short journeys while the public is making cutbacks on short-haul flights in order to manage the energy crisis and the climate change.

Initially, the measure was contested by the Union of French Airports (UAF) and the European branch of the Airports Council International (ACI Europe), which lead the European Commission to work on an in-depth investigation if the plan can be operated.

“It’s going in the right direction, but the initial measure is one that’s (not very) ambitious. We must go even further,” Sarah Fayolle, Greenpeace France transport campaign manager said for Euronews.

The ban on short-haul flights will remain effective for three years, after which it must be reassessed by the Commission. The decision was highly acclaimed by the transport minister, who said that this decision is a major step towards reducing gas emissions.

The main routes to be affected by the short-haul flight ban are those between Paris Orly and Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, which have solid rail alternatives. If rail services improve, more routes can be added, including those between Lyon and Marseille as well as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon and Rennes. Routes like the one from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Bordeaux and Nantes – weren’t included due to a longer journey than the 2.5 hours mark.

As SchengenVisaInfo.com previously reported, France introduced the measure of banning short-haul flights back in April, with Sweden also announcing similar measures, such as changing a take-off and a take-off fee for older and less fuel-efficient aircraft. Germany and other Scandinavian countries are expected to be next on the list to take action, while Austria has already abolished its popular route from Vienna to Salzburg.

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