Together with other (trade) unions, including the VNV, we inform you of the following. An Internet consultation on a possible introduction of a distance-based air passenger tax and transfer tax is open from the government until Feb. 25, 2025. Indeed, part of the coalition agreement is to raise nearly 250 million euros by expanding the air passenger tax.
Via this link you can make your voice heard. Above all, do this. As far as we are concerned, the voice of people in the aviation industry should not be absent from this.
The industry has been under fire for a long time and small interest groups are seizing every opportunity to put aviation in the Netherlands in a bad light and to impose stricter rules on Dutch aviation and to tax it even more heavily.
Flight taxes in the Netherlands have already increased 84% in recent years. A further increase in these taxes and possible transfer taxes is destructive to the position of Dutch aviation, our employers and connectedness of the Netherlands. Rising airfare prices are putting increasing pressure on our country’s competitiveness. This is expected to have major consequences for Dutch employment.
A more positive sound from the aviation industry itself and from the public who do care about the industry is also welcome. This in no way means that we turn a blind eye to the challenges of aviation in the Netherlands. After all, we also advocate quieter and cleaner aviation, but without destroying our sector, which is already an international leader in this field. After all, everyone bears a responsibility for the environment and further sustainability, and the aviation sector is no exception. But the money needed for this sustainability must be earned. After all, sustainability is not free.
Considerations of the Dutch Transport Pilots Association
We can imagine being critical of this administration’s proposals, but not dealing with the matter on a daily basis. Therefore, fellow union VNV has detailed their opinions and considerations for each question. You can find these here find.
The deadline is Feb. 25, 2025, so don’t wait too long and share your views.
p.s. Feel free to share this post with your colleagues! They too may cast their vote
