Schiphol. Photo: Aerovista Luchtfotografie / Shutterstock The Association of Airlines in Europe (A4E) and the European Airports Association (ACI Europe) have issued a strong warning against the Dutch government’s decision to once again raise passenger taxes on flights, which were already considered among the highest on the continent.
According to the organizations, this decision could harm the Netherlands' air connectivity, burden passengers, and deter necessary investments for transitioning to cleaner aviation.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, CEO of A4E, stated that "these tax increases do not serve passengers or the climate, they merely make the Netherlands less attractive for tourism and business".
ACI Europe's Olivier Jankovec added that this is a "classic example of short-term political thinking" and warned that excessive taxation diverts resources from the massive investments needed to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions. According to him, instead of imposing heavy taxes, government assistance is required to accelerate the industry's transition to green fuels and infrastructure.
Aviation is a significant engine for the Dutch economy, contributing about 3% to GDP. Aviation officials now warn that the decision is expected to impact not only airlines and airports but also economic growth, tourism, and the country's connectivity with the world.