France Places Ban on Select Domestic Flights Where There is a Train Option in Efforts to Cut Down on Carbon Emissions

France is putting a stop to some domestic flights where there is an existing train alternative to cut down on carbon emissions.

The move gained approval last week from the European Commission, Travel + Leisure reported.

The French Transport Minksted Clément Beaune says the ban will impact routes where there is a train option available that will take less than 2 and a half hours. However, to qualify, there have to be several direct, high-speed rail connections available to travelers each day.

As for now, there are only three routes affected between Paris Orly Airport and Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon, making all airline carriers “prohibited” from flying between those destinations. 

Other air routes may also have a ban if rail services ramp up their services, the commission added.

“Future improvements in the rail services, with services operating at sufficient frequencies and suitable timings, in particular, to connect flights, will enable these air routes to be banned,” the Commission wrote in its ruling.

The new ban will remain in effect for three years and then be reviewed after two.

Train travel is a popular and effective way to get around Europe. There are many high-speed connections available between many of its major countries and cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille.