Ryanair CEO O’Leary’s Reaction to France’s Air Tax: “We Will Cut Capacity Even Further”

Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, has made strong remarks aimed at the French government. Speaking to Le Parisien, O’Leary said they would “further” cut capacity in France if the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA) is increased.

Under a regulation that came into force in March 2025, this tax was raised from €2.63 to €7.40 per ticket. O’Leary described the increase as “unfair” for a sector that “does not generate much revenue.”

The Ryanair CEO said he had presented a plan to double annual traffic to France by 2030, but that this would only be valid if the taxes were removed, adding: “Otherwise, we have cheaper alternatives. If the taxes are raised again, we will further reduce capacity.”

His comments prompted a reaction from French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, who stated: “I cannot tolerate such behaviour. Dialogue yes, but no to threats.” The minister also argued that Ryanair had doubled its profits in a year and was still trying to avoid social and financial obligations.

In late July, Ryanair announced it would reduce its capacity in France by 13%, equating to a loss of 750,000 seats, and would withdraw from Strasbourg, Bergerac and Brive airports during the winter season. Yet in March, O’Leary had assured that regional flights would not be discontinued.

O’Leary also described France’s air traffic control as “the least efficient in Europe,” labelling pre-weekend strikes as “for leisure purposes” and claiming they caused flight cancellations.