Netherlands to hike flight tax on short private jet flights to €420 per passenger

On Thursday, the lower house of the Dutch parliament adopted a proposal to significantly hike the air passenger tax for private jet flights in 2030. The tax for a short flight under 2,000 kilometers will rise to €420 per passenger, increasing to €1,015 for medium-length flights, and €2,100 for flights longer than 5,500 kilometers, NU.nl reported.

The tax hike applies to aircraft with 19 or fewer seats. According to the GroenLinks-PvdA and PvdD proposal, the measure will generate an additional €58 milion for the national treasury.

“This is another important step in curbing the growing use of private jets,” GroenLinks-PvdA MP Suzanne Kröger said. “A private jet emits significantly more and is mainly used for extremely short distances.” This measure is “urgently needed for the climate,” she said.

The current exceptions for essential flights, such as medical assistance flights, will remain in place. This measure will mainly impact the wealthy.

The measure will be added to another bill that will increase the air passenger tax for long-distance flights in 2027. Passengers will then have to pay over €70 extra for flights over 5,500 kilometers. The tax rate for short flights will increase by just under €30, and for medium-distance flights of between 2,000 and 5,500 kilometers will increase by €47.