Air traffic tax: SPD open for reduction – under one condition

Will flying will soon be cheaper? The SPD parliamentary group is open to a reduction in air traffic tax in order to relieve the aviation industry and make them more competitive internationally. “From an economic and transport policy perspective, a reduction in air traffic tax would be a sensible step,” said the deputy SPD parliamentary group leader Armand Zorn the star.

At the same time, it was clear, the Social Democrat restricted: “In the current budget situation, we only have limited scope.” Any relief must therefore be “solidly countered”, said Zorn, who, as deputy SPD parliamentary group leader, is responsible for tourism and traffic. “Now it is important to put concrete and sustainable suggestions on the table.”

Previously, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, CDU, had requested noticeable relief for the aviation industry. “We also have to relieve German air traffic from excessive stress,” said Merz on Wednesday in the Bundestag, “so that commercial air traffic in Germany also has a good chance of proving itself in international competition.”

The CDU had already brought air traffic tax into play in summer. It had been raised under the traffic light coalition to generate additional income for the federal budget. “The increase in air traffic tax must be withdrawn,” said CDU politician Christoph Ploß in July. The federal government’s coordinator warned of further flight connections that could be cut.

Airlines and industry associations had criticized the increase at the time because the levy would affect the competitiveness of German airports. Cheap airlines in particular had then significantly reduced their offer or relocated departure to neighboring countries; The rising costs also passed to ticket prices and thus air traveler.

Depending on the destination, flies have been up to 20 percent more expensive since May 2024. Specifically, the sentences for internal European flights rose from EUR 12.73 to 15.53 euros, for medium -sized distance from 32.87 euros to 39.34 euros and for long -haul from 58.06 euros to 70.83 euros per ticket.

“In order for the industry to survive in international competition, we need reliable and competitive frameworkn “, says SPD parliamentary group vice armand anger. As a member of MP from Frankfurt, he knew what importance the aviation is for the business location of Germany. “It creates good jobs, strengthens us as an export nation and makes our country attractive as a travel destination.”

The industry is under massive pressure. So it became known on Friday that Lufthansa apparently wants to dismantle on a larger style, according to information from the Reuters news agency, a clearing of several thousand jobs is in the room. The aim of the measure is therefore: lower costs quickly.

In their coalition agreement, the Union and the SPD agreed to reduce “air traffic -specific taxes, fees and levies” and to withdraw the increase in air traffic tax. The federal budget for 2026 is currently being discussed in parliament.

However, it seems questionable whether a lowering of air traffic tax actually comes. The money is scarce, in the budget for 2027 there is a gap of around 30 billion euros. The contractual work of the black and red coalition also says: “All measures of the coalition agreement are subject to financing.”