Invited to France Info on May 13, 2026, the Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot sought to reassure travelers and tourism professionals as concerns arose around hantavirus, fuel costs, and air transport ahead of the summer season.
Interroged on the serious hantavirus case detected in Paris following the MV Hondius cruise ship episode, the minister ruled out any restrictive measures in transport. “The virus is not spreading like it did with the coronavirus and the conditions are completely different,” he said on France Info, while acknowledging “the trauma of the French” tied to the Covid-19 health crisis.
Philippe Tabarot confirmed that no restrictions were being considered for trains, planes, subways, or other public transport. “There are currently no restrictions, regardless of the mode of transport,” he insisted, also ruling out any return of mandatory masking.
Interroged on the serious hantavirus case detected in Paris following the MV Hondius cruise ship episode, the minister ruled out any restrictive measures in transport. “The virus is not spreading like it did with the coronavirus and the conditions are completely different,” he said on France Info, while acknowledging “the trauma of the French” tied to the Covid-19 health crisis.
Philippe Tabarot confirmed that no restrictions were being considered for trains, planes, subways, or other public transport. “There are currently no restrictions, regardless of the mode of transport,” he insisted, also ruling out any return of mandatory masking.
Hantavirus : “I tell the French that they can travel as they wish”
Questioned about cruises and travel to Argentina or certain zones affected by the virus, the minister sought to reassure.
“I tell the French that they can travel as they wish,” asserted Philippe Tabarot, noting nonetheless that authorities remain “particularly vigilant” on passenger traceability and contact cases, notably through the DGAC’s services.
The Minister of Transport also addressed concerns related to the Middle East conflict and its consequences for the supply of aviation fuel. “There is no kerosene shortage. There are still commercial stocks, there are strategic stocks,” he said, adding that “the French who wish will be able to depart this summer.”
“Airlines have no interest in canceling because simply the summer season is strategic for their business,” he added, also recalling that airlines do not have the ability to raise prices once a ticket has been paid: “When you make a transaction, when it’s signed, you cannot increase the price afterwards,” he stressed, referencing clarification at the European level.
He referred to Volotea, which had requested a fare adjustment for its customers after tickets had already been paid.
“I tell the French that they can travel as they wish,” asserted Philippe Tabarot, noting nonetheless that authorities remain “particularly vigilant” on passenger traceability and contact cases, notably through the DGAC’s services.
The Minister of Transport also addressed concerns related to the Middle East conflict and its consequences for the supply of aviation fuel. “There is no kerosene shortage. There are still commercial stocks, there are strategic stocks,” he said, adding that “the French who wish will be able to depart this summer.”
“Airlines have no interest in canceling because simply the summer season is strategic for their business,” he added, also recalling that airlines do not have the ability to raise prices once a ticket has been paid: “When you make a transaction, when it’s signed, you cannot increase the price afterwards,” he stressed, referencing clarification at the European level.
He referred to Volotea, which had requested a fare adjustment for its customers after tickets had already been paid.
Philippe Tabarot also emphasized the tourism significance for the destination France. “We have the world’s leading tourism destination. There are 100 million people who will come to visit us this summer. It must not be a brake to this kerosene issue,” he reminded on France Info.
