Latest update 24 June 2019
Overview
Please see the download section on the top right hand corner of this page to read the overview of this section and scroll down the page to read the latest updates on ERA's activities and position.
ERA’s Current Position
ERA opposes the on-going trend of proliferation of aviation taxes across Europe, especially when they are misleadingly presented as environmental levies.
ERA welcomed the EU Aviation Summit “Bruges Declaration” (October 2010) that recommended EU member states to avoid additional burdens, such as taxes on aviation, in order to prevent any negative impact on the aviation industry competitiveness.
All revenues generated from taxes on aviation should be earmarked and re-invested back into the industry in order to develop its infrastructure and operations, to finance research and development initiatives and, ultimately, to help aviation reducing and mitigating its emissions through new and more efficient technology. National taxes have a net negative effect on States’ tourism, mobility and the overall economy, as clearly demonstrated by various examples in Europe (Danish Transportation Tax; Dutch Government Departure Tax; Irish Air Travel Tax to mention a few). The latest tax imposed on aviation is the so called “Regional Aircraft Noise Tax” (IRESA), adopted by the regional authorities of some of the most congested Italian airports and applicable to all landings and take-offs at and from airports situated in the Regions’ territory (scheduled or non-scheduled).
Update
Latest update 24/06/19: ERA and ACI Europe have sent a joint letter to all EU governments and DG MOVE ahead of the High-Level Conference on Carbon Pricing and Aviation Taxes on 20–21 June 2019 in The Hague on aviation carbon taxation, urging for careful consideration before any aviation taxation is implemented. The associations point to the need for continued regional connectivity through air travel which contributes to increased tourism, investment and job creation. ERA and ACI Europe believe that taxing aviation would hurt regional air connectivity in a disproportionate way, raising serious issues of social and territorial inequality and thus be incompatible with the core cohesion policy and objectives of the EU. In addition, as tax revenues would not be earmarked for decarbonisation, a tax would not effectively contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Contact
For further assistance please contact policy.technical@eraa.org