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The government has announced that it wants to impose heavier taxes on long-haul flights from 2027.

The measure, part of a revision of the flight tax, should compensate for the higher emissions of these flights and is expected to generate an additional €248 million in tax revenue. To further shape the plans, citizens and other stakeholders are invited to give their opinion via an online consultation.

The flight tax, which was introduced in the Netherlands in 2021, is currently uniform: every passenger pays the same amount per flight, regardless of the distance. This means that a trip to Bali generates the same amount of tax as a short flight to Italy. With the new proposal, the government wants to focus on distances and the associated emissions. Flights with a larger ecological footprint would therefore be taxed more heavily than shorter, less polluting routes.

environmental impact of flying

Flying has had a major impact on the environment for years. Airplanes emit large amounts of CO2 and contribute to air pollution through particulate matter. In addition, the noise of aircraft causes a lot of nuisance for residents near airports such as Schiphol. With the new measure, the government hopes not only to influence the behavior of travelers, but also to encourage companies to invest in cleaner technologies and sustainable alternatives.

Similar tax models are already in use in other European countries, such as Germany and France. Studies show that differentiating rates based on distance is an effective way to green the aviation sector. With the revision, the government also wants to map out the broader effects of flying – such as the impact on health and the economy.

citizen participation is central

In order to test the plans broadly, the government is launching an internet consultation. Interested parties can submit their application via internetconsultatie.nl give their opinion on the introduction of a distance-dependent flight tax. The questionnaire asks, among other things, whether people think that longer flights should indeed be taxed more heavily than shorter ones, and whether additional levies on very short flights are justified. According to the government, this input is important to make a balanced decision.

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The consultation consists of five questions that specifically address different aspects of the aviation tax. Topics discussed include taxing short and long flights, exceptions for certain areas, and the question of whether all passengers should be treated equally. The consultation explicitly asks whether citizens agree with taxing long flights more heavily. However, the question is formulated in such a way that the measure is presented as a given, with the emphasis on the implementation. This suggests that the actual introduction of the tax is hardly up for discussion anymore.

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departure hall Schiphol
Photo: © Pitane Blue - Schiphol departure hall

The flight tax is a way to price these negative effects. Since 2021, the Netherlands has had a flight tax of €29,40 (2025) per departing passenger, regardless of where this passenger flies to. As of 2027, the government wants to increase the total revenue from the flight tax by €248 million. The plan is to tax long-distance flights - with higher total emissions - more.

One of the questions addresses the alternatives to short flights. Many short journeys can also be made by train or car, which is often less harmful to the environment. A higher tax for these flights could encourage consumers to choose more sustainable options.

Another important part of the consultation concerns possible exceptions. The government acknowledges that some countries or areas, such as EU member states or overseas territories, face unique circumstances. The question of whether certain destinations should receive adjusted rates raises discussions about fairness and feasibility.

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For example, a flight to the Caribbean Netherlands has high emissions due to the distance, but residents of these areas often have few alternatives for transport. The government is investigating whether it is desirable to set lower rates for these types of situations.

criticism and expectations

Although the government is striving to make aviation more sustainable with the proposal, there is also criticism. For example, some airlines point out that higher taxes could discourage travellers from flying via the Netherlands, which could have economic consequences. In addition, there is the fear that the measure will mainly affect lower incomes, who will find it more difficult to pay for more expensive tickets.

Others see the consultation as an opportunity to demand broader reforms, such as a focus on investment in high-speed rail and innovation in aviation. Supporters of the plan stress that the revenues from the air passenger tax should be used to promote sustainability and not just become a cash cow.

The final form of the tax measure will only be determined after the consultation and further research. The government emphasizes that the interests of both citizens and companies are taken into account, but that sustainability and environmental awareness remain central. It is still unclear whether the plans will receive broad support, but the call for intervention in the aviation sector is becoming increasingly loud.

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