Germany introduces flying tax to price people out of travel

Germany has just introduced a new tax on flying with the hopes of pricing poor people out of travelling to reduce their carbon footprint.

Germany introduces flying tax to price people out of travel

The price hike will come into force on Wednesday, which will see passengers coming to and leaving Germany paying an additional €15.53 to €70.83 per flight (22.86 CAD to 104.25 CAD or 16.73 USD to 76.31 USD).

Other European officials in the airline industry have also expressed their concern over the flying tax, saying it’s the wrong move and will kill Germany’s competitiveness.

“When Germany’s economic performance is anaemic at best, denting its competitiveness with more taxes on aviation is policy madness,” said International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willy Walsh.

“The government should be prioritizing measures to improve Germany’s competitive position and encouraging trade and travel. Instead, they have gone for a short-term cash grab, which can only damage the economy’s long-term growth.”

Walsh warned that Germany’s decision would also hurt the country’s climate crusade towards net zero, as it will result in fewer revenues to invest in more productive endeavours such as more sustainable jet fuel and other decarbonization efforts.

Moreover, this latest tax comes as Germany continues to pressure the EU to adopt a ‘Europe-wide jet fuel tax’, making travel even less affordable.

According to Walsh, “The German Government appears to have an unhealthy obsession with aviation taxes.”

Germany is setting a precedent for anti-freedom climate taxes

This latest tax comes less than a month after the German Transport Minister threatened the German populace with a weekend driving ban to hit the country’s unreachable net zero goals.

In a letter penned in April, Transport Minister Volker Wissing argued that the sector has lagged behind others in carbon reduction and that such a ban may be the only way to hit net zero.

“A corresponding reduction in traffic performance would only be possible through restrictive measures that are difficult to communicate to the population, such as nationwide and indefinite driving bans on Saturdays and Sundays,” the letter reads.

The suggestion was largely rejected by others in the German government, but given Germany’s willingness to adopt measures like additional taxes with the expressed goal of reducing travel, a precedent is being set, and such a ban may be just around the corner.

Share this story

Donate now to keep us on the front lines:

Help Keep your News Free

It's crucial we stay in touch

Big Tech wants to censor us, that’s why you need to stay in touch.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE...

Trending News

Trudeau’s tax pause on groceries and restaurants has had no impact on his dismal polling numbers.

TCS Wire

December 11, 2024

Trending News

According to several well placed sources, Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party is making serious inroads in the unlikeliest of places: Edmonton.

Keean Bexte

December 6, 2024

Trending News

In response to growing concerns from municipalities, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has outlined a new legislative framework aimed at clearing homeless encampments.

TCS Wire

December 5, 2024

Trending News

OPINION: While CBC/Radio-Canada alleged the Indian government worked against Patrick Brown, his historical relationship with Modi appeared anything but tenuous. 

Walid Tamtam

December 5, 2024

Trending News

Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer says that removing carbon tax would help Canadians more than a 2-month GST pause.

Mike Campbell

December 3, 2024

Trending News

Another town in Alberta has voted to ban Pride flags from being painted on crosswalks and flown on government property.

TCS Wire

December 3, 2024

Want to join the conversation?

Sign up now to be able to like, comment and reply to other members. A full membership to our site includes:

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.