France has become the first country to legally ban select short-haul flights, requiring a train alternative of 2.5 hours or less to exist. The ban was part of a 2020 agreement between the French government and Air France to meet environmental targets. However, environmentalists believe the ban has been watered down too much. The ban does not cover flights between certain cities, connecting flights from outside France, or private jets. Despite its limitations, the ban is considered a step in the right direction by Greenpeace France. The government plans to review and potentially expand the ban in three years. The French government is also considering increasing charges on private jets from 2024.
That is a great first initiative other countries should copy. Next step: Create a train system that offers as many 2.5 hour rides as possible and make them affordable. I do not know about France, but other countries lack a proper train network.
I know people who fly for economic reasons, as flights within my country are oftentimes cheaper than train tickets. Absurd.
France has that train system, although sadly too centralized on Paris, meaning you often have to make a detour over Paris to reach another place.
IMHO only when there are suitable alternatives it makes sense to have legislation like that, although I think the real problem are unnecessary business trips (which includes private jets) and legislation should rather focus on that.
Of course it doesn’t cover private jets 🙄