The situation is shaping up to be explosive: according to the trade press, the shift to weekly BSP payments could affect France in the medium term. This prospect worries travel agencies, especially as IATA continues its objective of global harmonization of payment deadlines.
Summary
Arnaud Fontanille warns: “2026 will be the decisive year for agencies”
IATA has approved an international harmonization of remittance periods . While France is not directly impacted in the short term, this decision paves the way for a possible shift towards weekly payments. "This is clearly the issue of the year for 2026. Our goal is to save time," warns Arnaud Fontanille, president of the Transport Commission of the French Travel Companies Association (EDV) and Chief Financial and Purchasing Officer of the Marietton Group.
Currently, French agencies settle BSP payments on a bi-monthly basis, with payment made seven days after the end of each period. In several other European markets, this period has already been reduced to a weekly frequency.
A major risk to the cash flow of agencies
For professionals, the issue is primarily financial. “Some corporate agencies work with clients who pay in 30 or 45 days. If the BSP (Bill of Subscription) had to be paid weekly, it would create a very heavy cash advance,” explains Arnaud Fontanille. “In terms of liquidity, the situation could become complex, even dangerous for some organizations.”
Independent agencies specializing in business travel would be the most exposed, due to the volume of tickets issued and the gap between customer payments and BSP reimbursements.
The defense strategy of the EDVs
Faced with this prospect, the French Travel Companies Association (Entreprises du Voyage) has undertaken in-depth work with IATA. "The French market has a historically low default rate. This is a strong argument to demonstrate that there is no urgency to change the system," recalls Arnaud Fontanille.
The objective is clear: to delay any imposed changes and to defend a model adapted to French economic realities, ideally beyond 2027.
Still limited alternatives
Among the solutions discussed is the increased use of credit card payments, which are permitted by IATA regulations under certain conditions. This solution would reduce financial exposure and the required guarantees, but it remains limited today, as not all airlines accept this payment method.
Key takeaways
– Weekly BSP payments pose a real medium-term risk for French agencies.
– 2026 will be a key year for negotiations between travel agencies and IATA.
– Corporate agencies are the most exposed due to customer payment delays.
– Anticipating and carefully managing cash flow are becoming strategic.
Updates
Article updated on January 15, 2026, based on ongoing discussions between the EDV and IATA.
Sources
TourMag
L'Écho Touristique
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