Two thirds of Dutch travelers are concerned that air travel from the Netherlands will become too expensive if the country’s air travel tax continues to rise. In addition, 71% believe air travel should remain accessible for people on lower incomes.
Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok
These findings come from a representative survey conducted by Markteffect among more than 1,000 people in the Netherlands. The results have prompted the ANVR to launch the campaign ‘gelijkevliegtaks.eu’ (Equal air travel tax) together with TUI, Corendon, Transavia and KLM. The sector aims to draw attention in The Hague to the sharp increase in Dutch air travel taxes, which are set to become the highest in the European Union from 2027.
The ANVR, which represents travel companies in the Netherlands, says affordable travel is increasingly under pressure as air travel taxes continue to rise. “For many people, the annual vacation is an important moment to relax and spend time together,” said ANVR Director Frank Radstake. “At the same time, costs are increasing. By 2027, the Dutch air travel tax for long haul flights will rise from around €30 to €72 per ticket, a 140% increase. That places a significant financial burden on travelers, especially compared to neighboring countries.”
The concerns are not limited to frequent flyers. Dutch travelers who fly only once or a few times a year also say further increases in air travel taxes will affect their travel plans. Nearly two thirds of respondents expect flying to become too expensive for the average Dutch traveler if taxes continue to rise next year.
Growing gap with neighboring countries
According to the ANVR, making aviation more sustainable is essential, but these measures should be effective and coordinated at a European level. Large differences in national tax policies mainly put Dutch travelers at a disadvantage. The difference can become substantial. From 2027, a family of four traveling to Turkey from the Netherlands could pay more than €190 in air travel taxes alone. In Belgium, the same family would pay around €40 for a comparable trip.
“Vacations shouldn’t become something only a small group of people can afford,” said Frank Radstake. “Travel contributes to prosperity, relaxation and wellbeing. It’s also very important that people can continue visiting family and friends abroad.”
Many Dutch travelers also feel there is growing inequality compared to neighboring countries. “From 2027, the Netherlands will have the highest air travel tax in the EU,” Radstake added. “As a result, Dutch travelers will pay significantly more for comparable flights than travelers departing from airports just across the border. That difference isn’t always visible to the consumer, but the additional costs can quickly add up for individuals and families.”
KLM CEO Marjan Rintel said: “We support the campaign gelijkevliegtaks.eu because travelers could soon face air travel tax increases of 60% or even 140%. Families could end up paying hundreds of Euros extra purely in Dutch air travel taxes. With the highest aviation tax in the EU from 2027, Dutch travelers will either be hit hard financially or choose to depart from airports across the border instead. That does not benefit the climate, and if travelers and businesses leave, destinations will disappear. These plans should be reconsidered, and Dutch air travel taxes should be brought back in line with neighboring countries.”