The industry association Barig (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) is strongly criticizing the increase in air traffic tax planned by the German federal government. In this regard, we join the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry.
“An increase in the aviation tax would be a fatal signal for air traffic, the German economy and Germany’s connectivity itself. The burden of fees in Germany as an air traffic location is already enormous compared to international standards. The consequences: Within Europe, Germany is at the bottom of the list when it comes to the recovery of air traffic after the corona pandemic. In other countries, the 2019 level has already been reached and in some cases even exceeded, but Germany is still lagging behind. New cost increases, such as an increased aviation tax, would further aggravate the situation and mean that the offerings of airlines in Germany will only develop very slowly. This can have far-reaching economic consequences. Air transport is a key economic engine and secures mobility, logistics and goods transport as well as jobs. Especially in difficult times characterized by inflation and volatile economic development, planning security and future prospects are valuable prerequisites for overall social prosperity. It is therefore highly absurd to place ever greater strain on sectors such as air transport, since international connectivity is essential for economic recovery and global supply chains. In addition, the constant, enormous increase in the price of air traffic as a location also means that important investments, such as the decarbonization of flying, are being hindered. In addition, inevitably higher prices also limit private mobility; this particularly affects family trips. In view of these considerable burdens on the economy and society, politicians should do everything they can to avoid further burdening air traffic with taxes, fees, etc. This is the only way to support Germany’s economic and sustainable recovery,” the association said in a statement.