Commenting on the measure, the international airline association said the tax should be reduced at least to the 2024 level, in line with the coalition agreement, while further mitigation measures should also be introduced.
Michael Hoppe, Chairman and Executive Director of BARIG, said: “In view of the current geopolitical challenges, which have a significant impact on air travel in particular, the massive problem of far too high state-imposed costs in Germany remains. These costs have not only slowed down growth but have also resulted in traffic being shifted to other European countries for years. Capacity for passenger and cargo traffic remains under pressure. Connectivity is severely impacted, and so is Germany’s highly export-oriented economy.”
BARIG said air travel in Germany continues to face pressure from state-imposed costs, regulation and global competition. According to the association, the operating environment has created a downward spiral that is affecting recovery in both passenger and cargo markets.
The organisation stated that, even after the planned reduction in aviation tax, the cost burden in Germany for a flight from Europe would remain almost twice as high as the European Union average. It referred to a recent analysis by the German Airports Association which, according to BARIG, confirmed the scale of the cost gap.
BARIG warned that, in the medium to long term, sustained cost pressure could limit aviation recovery in Germany, push fares higher and reduce affordability for travellers.
On the federal government’s decision, Michael Hoppe said: “The German Federal Cabinet’s recent decision to lower the air traffic tax effective as of July 1, 2026, is a step in the right direction—but far too small. The announced reduction does not even bring the tax back to the level prior to the last increase in 2024, as was agreed in the coalition agreement. Flying thus remains far too expensive. In the interest of citizens and the domestic economy, the German Federal Government urgently needs to take more decisive action to strengthen Germany’s position as an aviation location in a sustainable manner. We, therefore, call on federal policymakers to lower the air traffic tax to at least the 2024 level, better further, and, furthermore, to urgently provide additional reductions in air navigation charges, aviation security fees, as well as other state-imposed costs and fees.”
The association is calling for broader policy action, including further reductions in air navigation charges, aviation security fees and other government-imposed aviation costs, as part of efforts to strengthen Germany’s position as an aviation market.
Tags: Michael Hoppe, BARIG,
