DR ‹ › The Netherlands is set to implement one of the highest air travel taxes in the European Union starting next year, a move that is raising growing concerns within the aviation sector, particularly regarding its impact on flights to medium-haul destinations like Morocco. Under this increase, travelers through Dutch airports will be required to pay up to 48 euros in tax for each ticket to Morocco and other countries starting in 2027, compared to the current 30.25 euros. This decision follows a previous agreement with the former Dutch government, which is expected to raise the average tax to more than 40 euros per ticket. This significant difference, which makes the Dutch tax more than eight times higher than the European average, places the Netherlands at the forefront of the most costly countries for air travel within the union. This contradicts governmental trends advocating for tax harmonization at a European level. A study conducted last year by the company Markeffect, which included Dutch residents, showed that air travelers are seeking cross-border alternatives, with 74% stating they would choose to travel more frequently through foreign airports if taxes increase. KLM Airlines stated last week: "If travelers continue to regularly shift to foreign airports, flights from Dutch airports will eventually disappear, with negative consequences for travelers, businesses, and the Dutch economy." They added that the air travel tax should be aligned with neighboring countries.
