Overview
- The government plans to reverse part of the 2024 increase to the Luftverkehrssteuer, lowering short‑haul charges to about €12.48 and medium‑haul to roughly €32 per ticket from summer 2026.
- The agreement, presented as economic relief for the sector, is estimated to reduce the tax burden by about €350 million.
- Airports and carriers welcomed the decision, calling it a first step toward easing costs, while unions and business groups urged further measures.
- Greens, the Left, and environmental groups criticized the tax cut as socially unfair and climate‑damaging, noting the Deutschlandticket is set to rise in price.
- Analysis suggests the 2024 hike shifted capacity abroad rather than cutting emissions, with commentators urging parallel investments in rail, sustainable aviation fuel, and more efficient aircraft.