France bans air travel that takes less than 2,5 hours by train

Epochal news in its own way: on Sunday the French National Assembly voted to ban some short-haul air travel in favor of train travel. If the measure is formally approved, it would mean the end of domestic flights on routes where the journey can be completed even by train in 2,5 hours or less.

One of the richest nations in the world takes a clear stance on the need to reduce carbon emissions. However, there will almost certainly be less of an impact than thought, not least because connecting air travel will not be affected. Yes, international travelers will not have to worry about having to go from the airport to the French rail system, even if it is high speed.

Just a mild tickle for short-haul air travel?

A beginning, even if (tighten tight) with little effect, it was said. On balance, French lawmakers are proposing to cancel only five routes in total. Yes, only five : from Paris Orly to Bordeaux, from Paris Orly to Lyon, from Paris Orly to Nantes, from Paris Orly to Rennes and from Lyon to Marseille. 

Of course, the France it has a network of high-speed trains that we in Italy can only look at with envy. However, the French government is "mama's boy" with the national airline just as we were with the (almost) late Alitalia.

Last week the French government announced major investments (worth over 4 billion euros) in Air France. The purpose? Predictable and understandable: to help that airline as it resists the pandemic.

We know that aviation contributes carbon dioxide and that due to climate change we need to reduce emissions. Likewise, we must support our companies and not let them fall by the wayside.

Agnes Pannier-Runacher, French Minister of the Interior

A small good example, therefore, is that of cutting short-haul air travel. Tímido, but good.

A greater and widespread effort would be needed, however. Time is running out.