The Dutch government has scaled back a planned rise in aviation tax on long-haul flights to €59.43 per passenger in 2027, matching the rate in neighbouring Germany.
The levy on flights of more than 5,500 kilometres had been due to rise to €74.81 per passenger but will instead be set at the same level as Germany’s long-haul aviation tax.
Aviation taxes in the Netherlands are due to move to a new three-tier system depending on the length of flights from 1 January. The move to this system of higher taxes has been widely criticised by aviation groups and airlines including KLM.
The rates for short and mid-range flights in 2027 will be €31.04 per passenger for flights of less than 2,000 kilometres and €49.87 for flights of between 2,000 and 5,500 kilometres.
Although the change in the long-haul rate matches the Germany tax rate, German aviation taxes for short and mid-haul flights will still be significantly lower than in the Netherlands at €13.03 and €33.01 per passenger respectively.
KLM welcomed the government’s move for long-haul flights but called for taxes on shorter services to also be “aligned” with levels in Germany.
“The government's decision to bring the long-haul air passenger tax closer to the German level is a welcome step,” said a KLM spokesperson.
“However, the Netherlands remains considerably more expensive than many European countries, meaning the risk of passengers shifting to airports across the border remains.
“Only by aligning air passenger taxes on short and medium-haul routes with Germany can we effectively protect the Netherlands' connectivity and competitive position.”
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is the country’s main hub, said in a statement that it supported the government’s decision.
“As a small country with a strong aviation sector, the Netherlands has developed into an international hub, supporting businesses, jobs and opportunities,” added the airport.
“We want to preserve that. This requires us to remain mindful of our competitive position, with predictable government policy and a level playing field within Europe.”
In a separate move, the Dutch government announced it was working with Schiphol to establish a fund to accelerate the adoption of alternative aviation fuels, known in the aviation industry as SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). This includes providing €90 million in funding between 2027 and 2029, although the development will need to be approved by the European Commission.