KLM welcomes EU-linked air travel tax, warns night closure at Schiphol threatens economy

KLM welcomed the coalition agreement of D66, CDA, and VVD, which confirmed that the air travel tax should be equal across all EU countries, but warned that a potential night closure at Schiphol Airport could undermine economic goals.

In a statement, KLM said, “It is good that this coalition confirms that the air travel tax should be equal across all EU countries. We therefore expect a first step soon to align the air travel tax at least with Germany. That is necessary to remain competitive with surrounding countries.”

The Dutch air travel tax is currently 30.25 euros per departing passenger, compared with Germany’s tiered system of about 15 euros for short flights, 39 euros for medium-distance flights, and 71 euros for long-haul flights.

The airline added that a potential night closure at Schiphol “stands in stark contrast to the ambition of making the Netherlands the strongest economy in the EU.”

KLM cited the Wennink Report, a government-commissioned economic analysis by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, noting it highlights “how important the hub function of Schiphol, our international connections, and a competitive aviation sector are for our earning capacity and business climate.”