Published on
December 28, 2025
The Netherlands has announced a significant new tax affecting private air charter flights, set to take effect on January 1, 2030. This move, confirmed by the Dutch Senate on December 16, will impose a per-passenger tax on aircraft with fewer than 19 seats. The Dutch air travel tax has drawn strong reactions from both the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and local industry groups, who are now pushing for the new regulation to be overturned before its implementation.
A Significant Financial Impact on Private Air Charter Operators
Under the new legislation, per-passenger rates will range from €420 ($488) for flights covering distances of up to 2,000 km (1,087 nm), with rates climbing to €2,100 for flights exceeding 5,500 km. This tax is strikingly similar to France’s “solidarity” tax on private aviation, which has faced similar criticism from industry stakeholders. The new Dutch air travel tax is expected to have a considerable impact on the cost structures of private air charter companies operating in the Netherlands, particularly those offering short to medium-distance flights.
This tax change is not an isolated case. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has noted that elevated taxes on business aviation are becoming more widespread in Europe. Similar tax measures are being proposed in the United Kingdom and Spain, all of which stem from the broader goals of the European Green Deal, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
EBAA’s Opposition to the New Dutch Air Travel Tax
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), which represents the interests of private aviation operators across Europe, has expressed strong opposition to the Dutch air travel tax. According to EBAA’s Director for Public Affairs and Communications, Róman Kok, many Dutch lawmakers who voted for the tax are now acknowledging that they did not fully understand the negative impact the tax would have on domestic operators. Kok highlighted that the tax could inadvertently benefit foreign companies that are not subject to the same fiscal reporting requirements as Dutch-based charter operators, thereby putting local businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
The EBAA’s concerns echo the findings of research conducted by EBAA France, which shows that France’s similar tax has led to a shift in flight operations. While the overall volume of flights has remained stable, more of these flights are now being operated by foreign companies, which are not burdened by the same tax obligations. This trend has prompted EBAA to call for a reduction in the French tax as part of the country’s 2026 budget review.
The Green Deal Legacy: More Challenges for Business Aviation
The introduction of the Dutch air travel tax is just one example of the broader regulatory challenges facing the European aviation industry. The European Green Deal and accompanying policies, such as the ReFuel EU initiative, are placing additional pressure on business aviation. These policies aim to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the sector, but they have raised concerns within the business aviation community.
EBAA CEO Stefan Benz has stated that while the association supports the use of SAF, it remains critical of the way these policies are being implemented. Benz pointed out that many of these measures are unworkable for small, non-scheduled operators, who face operational difficulties that larger carriers do not. EBAA has made it clear that it will continue to lobby for reforms to these policies, aiming to make them more practical for private air charter companies.
Potential Impact on European Airports and Flight Planning
The EBAA is also concerned about potential changes to regulations governing slot allocations at European airports. As the European Commission reviews rules related to slot-constrained airports, there is a growing fear that new guidelines could place business aviation operators at a disadvantage when it comes to gaining access to busy airports. This could lead to even greater financial pressures for private air charter companies operating in Europe.
Furthermore, the EBAA has raised alarms about the potential for excessive restrictions on flight planning due to environmental considerations. Although Article 20 of the EU’s Air Service Regulation already allows member states to impose restrictions on air travel, there is growing pressure to make these restrictions easier to enforce. The impact of these potential changes could make flight planning more complicated and costly for private air charter operators, adding another layer of challenges to an already difficult operating environment.
The Role of EBAA in Advocacy and Reform
As the voice of business aviation in Europe, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) plays a critical role in advocating for industry interests. The organization has been actively lobbying against the Dutch air travel tax and other similar measures, working closely with its members and stakeholders to push for reforms.
EBAA has also been engaging with European policymakers to address issues surrounding the use of SAF, fuel tankering restrictions and slot allocation rules. Benz emphasized that the association is making progress in its lobbying efforts, with growing support from EBAA members who are keen to directly influence European aviation policies. This year, EBAA organized a successful campaign where 348 individuals sent letters to the European Commission, urging action on key issues affecting the business aviation sector.
What’s Next for the Industry?
With the Dutch air travel tax set to take effect in 2030, the private air charter industry faces significant challenges. While the EBAA continues to oppose the tax, the future of this measure remains uncertain. If the new coalition government in the Netherlands decides to reconsider the tax, it could provide some relief for local charter operators. However, EBAA will continue to fight for industry reforms, including tax reductions and more flexible SAF policies, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business aviation sector in Europe.
The situation in the Netherlands highlights the ongoing struggles of the business aviation industry as it adapts to the evolving regulatory landscape. As new policies are implemented across Europe, private air charter operators will need to remain vigilant and engaged in lobbying efforts to protect their interests.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Dutch private air charter tax represents a critical development for the business aviation sector and the EBAA will continue to lead efforts to reform these measures in the interest of industry stakeholders. With advocacy, collaboration and a commitment to addressing operational challenges, the European business aviation community aims to navigate these turbulent skies.
