Denmark’s proposal to increase taxes on air passengers made by the government has now been officially supported.
Last month, the government of Denmark proposed to impose a tax of 100 Danish kroner or $14 (€13.41) on air travel as part of efforts to help finance a green transition to the airline industry, enabling domestic flights to use 100 per cent of sustainable fuels by 2030.
The proposal made last year noted that nearly half of the anticipated annual revenue of 1.2 billion crowns would be allocated in order to help domestic flights use green fuels by the end of 2030.
The aviation sector in Denmark must – just like all other industries – reduce its climate footprint and move towards a green future. We want to create that change so that the green planes also become a reality.
The government of Denmark also stressed that the proposal would be implemented in phases across 2025 and beyond, with the taxes reaching a total of 50 Danish kroner (€6.71) per person for European flights by 2030, while for medium-distance 310-krone (€41.58) levy with long-haul flyers being obliged to pay an extra 410 kroner (€55) for the privilege.
Last month, ministers acknowledged that passenger tax will affect smaller regional airports more than the country’s large airports after the tax must be paid both ways on domestic flights.
Under the EU state aid regulations, airports with fewer than 200,000 passengers each year, such as Esbjerg, Midtjylland, and Sønderborg, are anticipated to qualify for operating aid. In addition, the European Commission has determined that Bornholm Airport is eligible for public sector support.
Denmark’s aviation industry has yet to recover entirely from the damages caused by the spread of the coronavirus and its new variants. The data provided by the OAG Schedules Analyser shows that domestic capacity is at nearly 76 per cent of 2019 levels while international travel is at almost 87 per cent.
Denmark has continuously attempted to make their plans work in order to make all domestic flights green by 2030. In January last year, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, introduced the plan but did not provide further details regarding the issue, according to a report from Travel Tomorrow.
Will it be difficult? Yes. Can we do it? Yes, I think so. We are already on it. Talented researchers and entrepreneurs are working on solutions.
In addition, the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that aviation has been responsible for nearly 3.5 per cent of climate change.
