SAS AIRLINES. Image: Shutterstock Sweden abandons aviation tax – airlines rejoice, environment outraged.
Starting today (July 1), one of the controversial measures of Sweden's center-right government takes effect: the abolition of the aviation tax imposed on outbound flights from the country's airports since 2018.
Companies celebrate the cost reduction, environmental activists warn of repercussions, and the nation finds itself caught between climate policy and promoting air travel.
The move is part of a comprehensive set of reforms taking effect today, with this being the most prominent. The government's goal is to make flights more accessible, increase demand, and enhance airline competitiveness.
According to officials, the tax primarily impacted smaller airports and led to a drop in passenger traffic without delivering substantial environmental benefits.
The tax has been fully repealed: airlines will no longer need to report or pay the surcharge previously levied – ranging from 7 to 44 euros per passenger, depending on flight distance.
The aviation industry welcomes the decision, but economists warn of a significant reduction in state revenue, while environmental organizations argue that the step contradicts the global trend of flight reduction and emissions mitigation.
Alongside the abolition of the aviation tax, other controversial laws also take effect today:
The subsidy for medications is abolished – citizens will now pay for prescriptions, and a new gender identity law – enabling individuals to change gender designation independently.