French business aviation leaders are pressing their government for a U-turn to reverse high passenger duties imposed on private charter flights in March. According to Charles Aguettant, president of EBAA-France, France's Prime Minister François Bayrou has acknowledged the so-called “solidarity tax” was ill-conceived, sparking hope that the industry group can persuade the administration to accept alternative proposals.
With France’s government needing to close a €40 billion deficit in its 2026 budget, whether the administration will reverse its policy of targeting wealthy travelers remains to be seen. However, during this week’s EBACE show in Geneva, Aguettant told AIN that complexities around requirements for operators flying from French airports to collect the duty have resulted in a fiscal yield of just €5 million to €10 million—well short of the planned €100 million to be raised—but costing operators customers deterred by the bloated costs of charter flights.
France’s 2026 budget is due to be settled in September or October, and EBAA-France aims to hold direct talks with senior government figures by then. The group has already lobbied the departments of economy, budget, and transportation.
The news from France was part of an update provided during an EBACE 2025 conference session on taxation challenges facing business aviation. This included details of luxury taxes being applied in Spain and Italy.