Overview
- The Union–SPD coalition agreed to reverse the May 2024 hike to the Luftverkehrssteuer from 1 July 2026, providing roughly €350 million a year in relief to the aviation sector.
- Current per‑passenger rates of €15.53 on short haul, €39.34 on medium haul and €70.83 on long haul will be lowered toward pre‑2024 levels, according to the coalition’s plan.
- The package also includes a temporary industrial electricity price for 2026–2028 at a targeted €0.05/kWh and commitments to curb future increases in air‑navigation and airport fees.
- Industry groups ADV, BDL and BDF praised the decision as a first step; Lufthansa will review previously cut routes, while Ryanair called the measure insufficient and urged earlier, full abolition.
- Consumer and environmental organizations, along with opposition figures, condemned the cut as climate‑counterproductive and socially unfair, warning that savings may not reach passengers and noting the concurrent rise in the Deutschlandticket price.