While the 2026 budget is progressing slowly in a tense political climate, the Senate has adopted several amendments aimed at supporting a struggling aviation sector and regions dependent on their local infrastructure. These measures reflect a stated commitment; however, they also raise the crucial question of their actual impact on public finances.
Summary
A 2026 budget under political pressure
Rejected by the National Assembly, the 2026 budget bill continues its examination in the Senate, where senators have until December 15 to reach a compromise before a possible joint committee meeting. Lacking a clear majority, the government is playing a very tight game. According to the specialized press, the senators have decided to intervene to prevent further weakening of the French economy and to preserve territorial balance.
TSBA: a respite for certain land-use planning lines
The Senate has adopted an amendment designed to mitigate the impact of the increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA) for certain routes designated as "regional development" routes. The aim is to protect services essential to territorial continuity, operated from airports handling very low passenger volumes. Senators emphasize the limited cost to public finances and the direct benefit to the regions concerned.
Clermont-Ferrand; an emblematic case, but with data that needs clarification
Several elected officials cited Clermont-Ferrand airport as a symbol of the structural difficulties faced by regional airports. They warned of the risk of further weakening if certain state subsidies were to decrease, particularly for missions related to safety and security. However, the exact financial consequences and the possibility of closure are not included in public documents at this stage; these assertions stem more from political concerns than from solid data.
A Senate amendment proposes to maintain specific support for infrastructure handling between 5,000 and 1,000,000 passengers annually; in order to avoid a domino effect on airports already struggling with the post-pandemic decline in traffic.
Accelerated depreciation to promote more fuel-efficient aircraft
Another notable measure is the adoption of a 30% accelerated depreciation allowance for the purchase of new aircraft between 2026 and 2029. This tax incentive aims to encourage fleet renewal with more modern aircraft. The environmental benefits mentioned (reduced emissions and noise) are part of general objectives related to new generations of aircraft, and not an official figure specific to this measure.
Economy Minister Roland Lescure opposed this provision, arguing that it would constitute an excessive tax advantage for airlines. The Senate nevertheless adopted it.
Tax equality for overseas sailors
Finally, an amendment extends the exemption regime applicable to the French International Register (RIF) to seafarers serving on ships registered in Wallis and Futuna . This measure aims to guarantee equal treatment and strengthen the competitiveness of French maritime employment.
Key takeaways
- The Senate introduces targeted measures to support certain regional airlines and airports.
- An adjustment to the TSBA is planned to limit the impact on territorial services.
- A 30% accelerated depreciation would encourage the purchase of newer aircraft; however, its effectiveness remains to be confirmed.
- A tax alignment is established for overseas sailors.
- All of these measures still need to go through the next parliamentary stages.
A budget that is still far from being adopted
It remains to be seen whether these provisions will survive the parliamentary process and the political decisions to come. Without a stable majority, the executive branch may have to resort to exceptional procedures to pass its budget. For tourism and aviation professionals, the stakes are high: these measures could permanently alter the economic balance of both regions and airlines.
Updates
Article updated on December 4, 2025; following amendments adopted by the Senate during the examination of the 2026 budget.
Sources
https://www.publicsenat.fr/actualites/politique/budget-2026-le-senat-reduit-la-hausse-de-la-taxe-sur-les-billets-davion-pour-les-petites-lignes
https://www.senat.fr/rap/l25-139-310-3/l25-139-310-37.html
https://www.fnam.fr/
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