The German parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has signaled openness to reducing the aviation tax, a move intended to provide relief to the air transport sector and bolster its international competitiveness. According to comments made to “Stern” magazine by SPD parliamentary group deputy chairman Armand Zorn, a reduction in the aviation tax “would be a sensible step from an economic and transport policy perspective.
However, Mr. Zorn cautioned that any potential tax relief would be subject to significant fiscal constraints. “In the current budgetary situation, we have limited scope for maneuver” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of securing adequate counterfunding for any measures taken. He called for the development of “concrete and sustainable proposals” to be presented.
The discussion follows a similar call from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who earlier this week urged substantial relief for the aviation industry within the Bundestag. Mr. Merz argued that easing the burden on German air transport is crucial for ensuring its capacity to effectively compete internationally. The CDU had previously floated the idea of lowering the aviation tax during the summer months.
The current aviation tax increase was implemented by the ruling coalition government following repeated failures to meet climate protection targets and as a response to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court that created a budgetary shortfall. Germany is now facing potential multi-billion euro penalties from the European Union due to the failure to meet emission reduction goals within the transport sector.