The Bundestag passed a reduction of the air travel tax in the evening. Lower rates from before May 2024 will apply starting July 1.
The German Bundestag passed a law change introduced by the Union and SPD parties. In addition to the coalition factions, the AfD also voted in favor, while the Greens and Left opposed the plan. The tax on flight tickets falls by amounts between 2.50 and 11.40 euros depending on the route.
For short-haul flights up to 2,500 kilometers, the rate will be 13.03 euros instead of 15.53 euros. Medium-haul routes between 2,500 and 6,000 kilometers will cost 33.01 euros instead of 39.34 euros. Long-haul flights will be taxed at 59.43 euros instead of 70.83 euros.
The measure fulfills a promise from the coalition agreement. The state will lose 185 million euros in revenue this year. By 2030 the annual shortfall rises to 355 million euros. Whether airlines will pass the savings on to customers remains uncertain.
Before the new rules can take effect, the Bundesrat still needs to approve them.
