Overview
- The Luftverkehrssteuer will be reduced from July 1, 2026, reversing the May 2024 increase and providing an estimated €350 million in relief.
- Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said the policy’s goal is competitiveness rather than a one‑to‑one pass‑through to ticket prices.
- Germany’s passenger volumes are at roughly 90% of pre‑COVID levels compared with about 110% in some other countries, according to Schnieder.
- Industry figures Peter Gerber and Lufthansa’s Jens Ritter indicated savings may be used to stabilize operations and preserve connections rather than immediately cut fares.
- Lufthansa signaled further route reductions are off the table with the tax change, while CSU transport expert Stephan Stracke urged airlines to lower prices ahead of summer 2026.