France votes to ban short-haul flights on domestic routes

FRENCH MPS have voted to abolish domestic flights on routes that can be covered by train in under two-and-ahalf hours, as the government seeks to lower carbon emissions even as the travel industry reels from the pandemic.

The measure is part of a broader climate bill that aims to cut France’s carbon emissions by 40 per cent in 2030 from 1990 levels, though activists have accused President Emmanuel Macron of watering down promises.

The vote came days after the state said it would contribute to a €4billion (£3.47billion) recapitalisation of Air France, more than doubling its stake in the flag carrier, to shore up its finances after a year of Covid travel curbs.

Agnès Pannier-runacher, the industry minister, said there was no contradiction between the bailout and the bill. “We know aviation is a contributor of carbon dioxide, and that because of climate change we must reduce emissions,” she told Europe 1 radio. “Equally, we must support our companies.”

However, some environmental campaigners have said the bill does not go far enough.

The bill now goes to the Senate before a final vote in the National Assembly.