Travelers currently pay 6 to almost 7.50 euros in flight tax on top of the ticket price. The idea six years ago was that the levy would have a dampening effect on the number of flights. That would be good for the climate.
That theory turned out not to be true: although the number of travelers fell slightly in 2019 and the corona crisis resulted in significantly fewer air travels, the number of air passengers in Sweden has increased just as fast in recent years as in the rest of Scandinavia.
By abolishing the air tax as of July 1, 2025, the Swedish government now hopes to improve the competitive position of Swedish airports (and SAS).
Good example
IATA CEO Willie Walsh is relieved about the decision. “A flight tax is an unnecessary burden on aviation and has no positive effect on the environment.” He emphasizes the importance of good flight connections for the population and the economy. “This decision is a positive signal for investors.”
Wals has been critical for years of the flight taxes that European countries (including the Netherlands) levy under the heading ‘good for the environment’. “The proceeds are not used to make aviation more sustainable, but simply disappear into the state treasury.”
BARIN, which represents the interests of airlines in the Netherlands, also reacts enthusiastically to the Swedish decision. “A good example to follow,” says chairman Marnix Fruitema.