Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Belgium’s aeroplane boarding tax, introduced in 2022, generated €40 million in revenue last year, marking the first time it met its financial target. The tax, aimed at reducing short-haul flights, charges passengers between €2 and €10 based on their destination. Despite this financial success, the measure faces criticism from environmental groups and the aviation industry, who argue it lacks a significant ecological impact.
The debate continues on whether the tax effectively promotes sustainable travel and tourism in Belgium. In an effort to reduce short-haul flights and encourage more sustainable travel alternatives, the Belgian Federal Government introduced an aeroplane boarding tax in 2022. The tax applies to all passengers flying out of Belgian airports and varies based on the destination, with the highest tax levied on flights under 500 kilometers.
This measure was part of Belgium’s broader strategy to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions, particularly within the aviation sector, which is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. Initially, the tax faced significant challenges in meeting revenue expectations. However, in 2023, the boarding tax achieved its target, raising €40 million.
This milestone reflects both the effectiveness of the tax in generating revenue and the continued demand for air travel, despite the additional costs imposed on passengers. The boarding tax is structured to impose higher charges .