The cabinet has decided to simply introduce the flight tax from 1 January 2021, despite the malaise in aviation. The previously agreed rate of 7 euros per flight ticket has also been increased to 7.45 euros, it reports Ministry of Finance Friday.
With the introduction of the flight tax, the cabinet wants to make it less attractive to fly. Other modes of transport, such as the car and train, are already taxed, but the aircraft is not yet, while aviation does contribute to the emission of harmful substances.
It had been known for a while that the tax was coming. However, KLM argued for a postponement this autumn, because aviation is in financial trouble due to the corona crisis. Nevertheless, the cabinet does not want to wait with the introduction.
As a result of the measure, every traveler departing from a Dutch airport must pay an amount of 7.45 euros per ticket. This does not apply to stopovers in the Netherlands.
Initially, a tariff of 7 euros was planned, but the cabinet has decided not to introduce the tax for cargo flights. This would mean that a lot of cargo would from now on be transported via foreign airports. As there is therefore no income from the levy on cargo flights, the rate for passenger transport will be increased.
Incidentally, it is not entirely clear whether the 7.45 euros will be the final rate. A small change is possible and depends on inflation. This will be clarified in December.
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