Ryanair(US:RYAAY) Xin Hua She·2025-07-31 07:15Core Viewpoint - Ryanair has announced its decision to withdraw operations from three French airports due to the high ticket tax imposed by the French government, urging for adjustments to avoid shifting investments to other European countries [1]. Group 1: Business Operations - Ryanair will cease operations at airports in Brive, Bergerac, and Strasbourg, which currently serve routes to Portugal and Scotland [1]. - Earlier this year, Ryanair also withdrew from operations at Vittel airport in northeastern France [1]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The French government increased the ticket tax by 180% in March, leading Ryanair to reduce its winter capacity for 2025 by 13%, equating to the cancellation of 25 routes [1]. - Following the tax hike, the "ticket solidarity tax" for economy class passengers on domestic and European flights rose from €2.63 to €7.4 per person [1]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Ryanair highlighted that the increased tax could render many French routes unprofitable, particularly affecting regional airports and winter operations [1]. - The company criticized the tax as detrimental to France's competitiveness compared to other EU countries like Ireland, Spain, and Poland, which do not impose such taxes [1]. Group 4: Future Plans - Ryanair has indicated that if the French government cancels the tax, it would invest $2.5 billion and introduce 25 new aircraft, increasing its annual capacity to over 30 million passengers and creating 750 new jobs [1].