France has banned short-haul flights where people are able to get a train instead, in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. 

The ban affects journeys that can be completed by train in less than two-and-a-half hours, ruling out flights between Paris and Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux.

Connecting flights are unaffected by the ban.

The move was originally proposed as a stricter restriction on any journey that could be completed by train in less than four hours.

It was included in 2021 climate legislation but faced fierce opposition from the aviation industry.

The train journey time was reduced to two-and-a-half hours after objections.

The law also specifies that train routes must be frequent and able to meet the needs of passengers who would otherwise fly.

France has the second-largest railway network in Europe and low-cost, high-speed travel is available across the country.

France’s ban on short-haul flights comes after the UK recent cut tax on domestic flights.

As chancellor in 2021, Rishi Sunak announced the tax on domestic flights would be slashed in half, from £13 to £6.50.

The change came in on 1 April 2023.