A new survey in the Netherlands indicates growing concern about the rise in the cost of flights due to a sharp increase in the country's air tax planned starting in 2027, with about two-thirds of passengers in the country fearing that flights departing from the country will become too expensive if the local tax continues to rise.
Following the findings, the Dutch tourism and aviation industry is embarking on a joint fight against the disparities with neighboring countries, and the Dutch travel organization ANVR has launched a new campaign in collaboration with TUI, Corendon Airlines, Transavia and KLM. The campaign aims to put pressure on decision-makers in The Hague, ahead of the increase in aviation taxes, which are expected to become the highest in the European Union by 2027.
According to the organization, the increase in airline taxes is hurting the ability of many travelers to go on vacation, even among those who fly once or a few times a year. Almost two-thirds of respondents in the survey estimated that further tax increases would make flights too expensive for the average Dutch traveler.
The industry emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable aviation, but argues that the moves should be made in European coordination and not through large tax gaps between neighboring countries. According to ANVR, from 2027 a family of four flying from the Netherlands to Turkey could pay more than €190 in aviation taxes alone, while in Belgium a similar family would pay around €40 for a similar trip.
“For many people, the annual vacation is an important moment to relax and spend time together,” explained ANVR Director Frank Radstake. “At the same time, costs are increasing. By 2027, the Dutch air travel tax for long haul flights will rise from around €30 to €72 per ticket, a 140% increase. That places a significant financial burden on travelers, especially compared to neighboring countries.”
“From 2027, the Netherlands will have the highest air travel tax in the EU,” Radstake added. “As a result, Dutch travelers will pay significantly more for comparable flights than travelers departing from airports just across the border. That difference isn’t always visible to the consumer, but the additional costs can quickly add up for individuals and families.”
“We support the campaign because travelers could soon face air travel tax increases of 60% or even 140%,” said Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, adding:
"Families could end up paying hundreds of euros extra purely in Dutch air travel taxes. With the highest aviation tax in the EU from 2027, Dutch travelers will either be hit hard financially or choose to depart from airports across the border instead. That does not benefit the climate, and if travelers and businesses leave, destinations will disappear. These plans should be reconsidered, and Dutch air travel taxes should be brought back in line with neighboring countries."
