Overview
- The coalition said the levy will return to pre–May 2024 levels on July 1, 2026, providing roughly €350 million in annual relief to the aviation sector.
- Parliament’s budget committee set aside €50 million for regional air traffic services, and Germany plans lower air navigation charges with fees expected to fall by more than 10 percent by 2029.
- For most intra‑European flights, the tax cut reduces the charge from €15.53 to €12.48 per ticket, an estimated €3.05 decrease that analysts say is unlikely to trigger broad fare cuts.
- Airlines and airports, including Lufthansa, the BDL and the ADV, welcomed the move and indicated they will re‑examine planned route reductions in Germany.
- Environmental groups condemned the reversal, with Greenpeace warning it weakens climate efforts, while Ryanair urged full abolition from January 2026 rather than a partial reduction starting in July.