The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has initiated a reduction in air passenger duty, effective July 1, 2026. With this measure, the cabinet is responding to years of persistent criticism regarding the high state burden placed on German air transport.
The new tax rate is to be set at €13,03. This corrects the significant increase from 2024, which had put Germany's aviation sector under considerable pressure in international comparison. Industry representatives see this as an important signal for the competitiveness of German airports and related sectors such as tourism.
Despite the announced relief, the amount of the reduction is drawing sharp criticism from the German Airports Association (ADV). Managing Director Ralph Beisel points out that the new rate of €13,03 is still 55 cents higher than the original rate of €12,48 from 2024. According to the association, the federal government is thus falling short of the commitments made by the coalition committee in November 2025, which had promised a complete reversal of the last increase. The association warns that foreign airlines could re-evaluate or even completely cancel planned route launches due to the continued high cost structure.
A look at a European comparison highlights the regulatory imbalance: While a flight departing from a German airport is burdened with an average of €4.531 in government fees, these fees amount to only €2.326 for comparable flights in other European countries. Even after the planned reform, Germany will therefore remain a high-cost location where government charges are twice as high as the EU average. According to experts, this disparity leads to a reduced route network and a loss of direct connections, jeopardizing the international connectivity of the German economy and negatively impacting employment in the aviation sector.
The aviation industry is now pinning its hopes on the upcoming parliamentary process in the Bundestag. It is demanding a consistent reduction of tax rates to the 2024 level in order to regain the airlines' confidence. In addition to the air traffic tax, the ADV (German Airports Association) is also calling for relief on air traffic control and aviation security fees. Only a comprehensive reduction of government-induced costs can sustainably strengthen the tourism and export sectors. Ensuring the connectivity of German airports is considered a key factor for the overall prosperity of the country as a business location under the current government.