Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary stated that if the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA) is increased, they will further reduce their capacity in France.
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, made strong remarks directed at the French government. Speaking to Le Parisien newspaper, O’Leary said that if the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA) is increased, they will “further” reduce their capacity in France.
The regulation that came into effect in March 2025 raised this tax from €2.63 to €7.40 per ticket. O’Leary described the increase as “unfair for an industry that doesn’t generate much revenue.”
The Ryanair CEO said that he had presented a plan to double annual traffic to France by 2030, but that this plan is only valid if the taxes are removed. He added, “Otherwise, we have cheaper alternatives. If taxes are raised again, we will reduce our capacity even further.”
These remarks drew a response from France’s Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Tabarot said, “I will not tolerate this kind of behavior. Dialogue, yes, but threats no.” The minister also accused Ryanair of doubling its profits in one year while trying to avoid social and financial obligations.