Germany Plans New Eco-Tax On Passengers

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) slammed plans announced by Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, to impose an “eco” departure tax on passengers leaving German airports. The planned tax is expected to bring in €1 billion this year.

“This is the worst kind of short-sighted policy irresponsibility. It’s a cash-grab by a cash-strapped Government. Painting it green adds insult to injury,” said Giovanni Bisignani, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Berlin.

“This is not the time to burden the aviation industry with more taxes.

“This tax is a body blow to the weak economy and a fragile industry. And it is a kick in the teeth to travellers at a time when they can least afford it,” added Bisignani.

As expected, the airlines are also upset about the sudden announcement that is poised to deal a possible body blow to their already fragile bottom lines.

“This is a black day,” Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Lufthansa’s chief executive, said.

The airlines believe this new tax will result in pushing away passengers to other countries.