European airlines and airports criticise Dutch air ticket tax hike

European airline group A4E and airport association ACI EUROPE have condemned the Dutch government’s decision to raise its already high air ticket tax for a second time. They argue the increase will damage the Netherlands’ air connectivity, deter business and tourism, and divert funds away from the major investments needed to decarbonise aviation.

A4E Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou warned that higher taxes push passengers to other destinations without reducing emissions. ACI EUROPE’s Olivier Jankovec called the measure “short-term political thinking,” stressing that taxing aviation harms consumers and undermines progress toward net-zero. Both organisations urged governments to support the sector’s green transition instead of imposing additional costs.