A ban on short domestic flights, “du flan”? The Minister of Transport responded to the dispute

“No, it’s not flan!” In a long series of tweets posted on Monday, Transport Minister Clément Bon responds to the controversy surrounding the abolition of “small air lines”, captured by the publication of an implementing decree on Tuesday but criticized for lack of ambition in the eyes of environmental activists. “Obviously, more needs to be done,” confirms, however, Clement Bon.

The ordinance to implement this measure, the spirit of which comes from the Civil Climate Convention, provides for the cancellation of domestic flights in case there is an alternative by train less than 2:30 and where it is possible to stay at least eight hours at the destination and, therefore, arrive by train earlier and leave late. Thus, only three lines between Nantes, Bordeaux, Lyon and Paris-Orly were removed in this way. However, these same flights connecting Paris-Roissy are not affected, since the Roissy station was taken into account, and not the more easily accessible Parisian stations.

Rows already removed

But, as many associations and environmental activists point out, the publication of the decree did not change anything, since these airlines were already closed. “They were not closed by the action of the Holy Spirit… they were closed because this formal ban was approaching. This shows that this rule is effective, and not vice versa! defends Clement Bon on Twitter.

“Yes, the lines between these cities and Paris Roissy airport are maintained, either because the travel time exceeds 2 hours and 30 minutes, or to ensure regular connections with international flights,” justifies the Minister of Transport. “It would be difficult legally, but above all it would mean depriving these metropolises, in comparison with Paris, of the international connections necessary for their economic life, local employment. “, he continues, refuting the “transport policy only from/to Paris”.

The list is “revisited every six months”

However, the text is not set in stone, repeats Clement Bon. “The list of rail alternatives at 2:30 will be reviewed every six months,” the minister explains, as he has already done. In other words: if ever the travel time is reduced or the frequency of trains is increased, then other lines can be excluded.

“We can be more demanding as we go by increasing the duration considered (for example, at least 3 hours) or limiting the current criteria,” the Minister of Transport also clarifies. The Civil Climate Convention voted to increase train travel time to 4 hours instead of 2:30 as decided by the government. Transport Minister Clément Beaune assures him: “Other lines will be closed. »