"There have been calls to cut state funding for France's small regional airports after revelations that many of them are used primarily by private jets. France has more than 150 airports, 73 of which are counted as 'commercial' and offer at least some commercial flights. Although the country has several big airports, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, which between them welcome around 100 million passengers per year,"
"The smaller airports rely heavily on subsidies, most of which come from local and regional governments, who back the airports as a way of creating employment and bringing visitors to the region. READ ALSO: Are France's loss-making regional airports under threat? However, a report for the investigative programme L'Oeil du 20 Heures on France Televisions has found that many regions are subsidising airports that no longer offer commercial flights, and instead are used primarily by private jets."
France operates more than 150 airports, with 73 counted as commercial and a handful of major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly handling about 100 million passengers annually. Dozens of small regional airports operate at a loss and depend heavily on subsidies from local and regional governments to sustain employment and attract visitors. Numerous regions are subsidising airports that no longer host commercial services and instead serve flying schools, military operations, medical flights, organ transplants, and private jets. Examples include Avignon, without commercial flights for two years yet receiving 1.46 billion in state aid, and Quimper, officially bankrupt but awarded 2.9 million and recording 306 private jet movements in the past year. The state must provide air traffic control and customs services when private jets land.
Read at www.thelocal.fr
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