KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has disclosed survey results indicating that, due to an increase in the Netherlands’ air passenger tax, more travelers will opt for airports in neighboring countries.
Among Dutch people who travel by air, 74% said they would increase the frequency of departures from Belgium or Germany. Since the air passenger tax was introduced in 2021, the number of Dutch travelers departing from Düsseldorf and Brussels has risen by 41% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2019.
In the Netherlands, a further increase in the air passenger tax is expected from 2027 onward. In Belgium the tax is EUR 10, Sweden has abolished it, and Germany is reportedly considering reversing its increase. The revenue is used for the national budget and is not invested in improving sustainability—such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Marjan Rintel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commented, “Because of the air passenger tax, regardless of distance, the Netherlands has the highest airfares among European Union (EU) countries. As a result, even more Dutch travelers are choosing to cross the border and fly from airports in neighboring countries. This does not solve the climate issue. On the contrary, it undermines our ability to continue investing in cleaner and quieter aviation. The Netherlands is being priced out of the market. This puts pressure on the Dutch air network and shakes the core of the country’s global connectivity.”
