Overview
- The coalition agreed to roll back the May 2024 increase to the air travel levy from 1 July 2026, delivering roughly €350 million in annual relief for the aviation sector.
- CSU transport politician Stephan Stracke urged carriers to reduce prices even before the tax change and to restore cut routes, singling out Lufthansa to act.
- Industry groups welcomed the move as a positive signal but said price effects depend on broader location costs, while airlines such as Lufthansa and Condor are reviewing route plans.
- Consumer advocates called the cut a gift to airlines and estimated typical Europe tickets would see at most about €7.73 in tax savings, as Greens and environmental groups criticized the climate signal alongside a higher Deutschlandticket price.
- The package includes plans to halt further air navigation fee increases in 2026 with an initial reduction, target a drop of well over 10% by 2029, allocate €50 million for regional air navigation, and faces pressure from Ryanair to scrap the tax entirely from January 2026.