French aviation traffic has seen a slight decline of nearly 1% compared to the same period last year, according to the Union des aéroports français (UAF). This brings the overall traffic level to 2.6% below that of 2019, a year before the global pandemic significantly impacted the industry. Domestic flights have dropped by 1.8%, while flights connecting mainland France to other European countries have fallen sharply by 7.9%. Flights linking mainland France with its overseas territories have also decreased by 1.2%. International traffic, which had been a key growth driver for France in 2025, has only slightly declined by 0.6%. In contrast, European traffic has grown by 2.6%, surpassing its pre-pandemic levels by 6.9%. Several major European countries, including Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Greece, have seen increases in air traffic, while France remains one of the few major European markets experiencing a decline. The UAF and the Fnam (National Federation of Aviation) have raised concerns about France's lagging performance compared to its European neighbors. They warn that current conditions could lead to the closure of air routes, which would have serious social and economic consequences. Thomas Juin, president of the UAF, has called for a reduction in air taxes, arguing that France needs to change its current policies to prevent further decline. A key factor contributing to the decline is the closure of the main runway at Basel-Mulhouse from April 15 to May 16, which resulted in the loss of approximately one million passengers and significantly impacted the first half of the year's traffic. Excluding this period, traffic for the first half of the year is nearly stable compared to last year. However, in June, even after the runway reopened, national traffic remained 1.9% below that of June 2025. The aviation sector is also facing additional pressures from rising fuel costs and new taxes on airline tickets. The increase in the price of kerosene, which is a primary fuel for aircraft, has added to the financial burden on airlines. New taxes, such as the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA) and an increase in the safety and security tariff ceiling, have further strained the industry. The UAF has urged the French government and Parliament to reduce the tax burden on air transport and to reverse the tax increases implemented in 2025. According to data from AirHelp, 70.5% of French passengers departed on time between June and August, compared to 64.1% during the same period in 2025. Cancellation rates have remained stable, with over 519,000 passengers affected in the 30 days before their departure, a rate of 1.8%. Nice-Côte d'Azur airport experienced the most disruptions, with 45.5% of passengers affected by delays or cancellations. This was followed by Figari Sud Corse (42.8%) and Marseille (32%). Among major hubs, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle was also significantly affected, with 30% of passengers disrupted, placing it fifth in the list of most affected airports. Friday, August 28 was the worst day for air travel in France, with over half of passengers facing delays or cancellations (50.4%).