Germany's Merz plans further cuts to air traffic tax
Germany's Merz plans further cuts to air traffic tax BERLIN, Nov 3 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to further reduce the air traffic tax in Germany, he said at a business event on Tuesday.
Merz pointed to his coalition's decision to reverse the increase in the tax with effect from July 1.
“The second part must follow,” said Merz in response to a question as to whether the air passenger tax could be abolished altogether.
“We are not doing ourselves any favours with this levy, because air traffic in Germany is being diverted to locations outside the Federal Republic of Germany,” Merz added.
“I would like us to rectify this,” Merz added, without giving details.
This would have implications for the federal budget.
The aviation industry has long lamented high costs in Germany, including taxes and fees.
(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, writing by Linda Pasquini, editing by Thomas Seythal)
((linda.pasquini@thomsonreuters.com))
Recent news on Ryanair Holdings
See all newsFactbox: Bomb threats cause flight disruptions across Europe
Refile: FACTBOX-Europe-wide bomb threats disrupt air travel
Bulgaria reports bomb threats on two planes landed at Sofia airport (updated)
Germany's Merz plans further cuts to air traffic tax
Brief: Ryanair Reports October Load Factor Unchanged At 93%