The International Airline Association Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (Barig) reacted with incomprehension to the cabinet decision on the federal budget for 2026. Contrary to the reduction of the federal budget agreed in the coalition agreement of the governing parties, Aviation tax This should not be reduced after all. Barig Chairman Michael Hoppe described the decision as “incomprehensible and damaging to the German economy” because it places a one-sided burden on the aviation industry in international competition.
Hoppe criticized the fact that air traffic in Germany is far too expensive compared to other European countries, with the air traffic tax and other excessive location costs contributing significantly to this. The consequences are already clearly noticeable: German traffic volumes remain below the 2019 level, while most other European countries are booming. This is leading to further pressure on Germany's international connections.
The high costs of locating goods in Germany also impact air freight. With every reduction in passenger flights, cargo capacity suffers, and the exchange of goods becomes more difficult. Companies are forced to reroute their goods traffic via foreign airports and transport the goods to Germany by truck, which is a costly process. The industry views the reduction in the air transport tax as a key step toward strengthening competitiveness and promoting Germany as a business location.
The Federal Ministry of Finance had described his 2026 draft budget as a "milestone for more growth." However, Barig considers maintaining the air traffic tax to be contrary to this goal. Hoppe called on politicians to pay greater attention to economic interrelations and create incentives for growth. He announced that he would continue to vigorously advocate for a reversal of this decision in order to strengthen companies, employees, and mobility in Germany.