France outlaws short-haul flights to reduce CO2 emissions

France has banned short-haul domestic flights on routes that could be covered by train in less than two hours and 30 minutes in an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The ban mostly rules out air travel between Paris and cities like Lyon, Nantes and Bordeaux without affecting connecting flights.

Critics have described the move that went into effect on Tuesday as a “symbolic” gesture, which will have minimal effects on CO2 emissions.