France has become the first country in the European Union to ban domestic short-haul flights where train travel under 2.5 hours is available. The law applies immediately to routes like Paris–Lyon and Paris–Nantes.
The French Transport Ministry said the move will significantly cut aviation-related emissions and boost investment in high-speed rail. The decision has faced criticism from airline operators but earned praise from climate groups across Europe.
In India and Bangladesh, where short-distance flights are increasing between major cities, transport analysts are watching France’s model to consider rail-first alternatives.
