According to the latest figures published by Aéroports de Paris, the number of aircraft movements at Paris Aéroport increased in 2025 (+3.8% across airports in the Île-de-France region), with volumes very close to pre-pandemic levels.
This recovery in economic activity following the pandemic years is being driven by sustained demand.
A slowdown compared with the European trend
However, French air traffic is beginning to lag behind the rest of Europe: the European market grew by 4.5% over the period, driven in particular by strong growth in Italy (5.7%), whilst France recorded growth of 3.6%.
Do these disparities highlight the French market’s loss of competitiveness compared with less restrictive policies in other European countries?
These, at any rate, are the initial findings put forward by the DGAC and the FNAM. The significant increase in the air ticket tax (TSBA), which came into force in 2025, is thought to account for this more moderate growth in French air traffic, particularly on short- and medium-haul routes.
Whilst commending the exemplary commitment shown by ground handling professionals in 2025 to providing passengers with an ever more reliable and safe service, the CSAE calls for particular attention to be paid to the competitiveness of the French aviation sector.
This Europe-wide decline, which extends beyond the aviation sector, is likely to affect France’s appeal as a tourist destination, particularly by limiting its capacity and visitor numbers.