Germany will cut air travel taxes from 1 July 2026, lowering rates on short-, medium, and long-haul flights by up to EUR 11.40 per passenger to support the aviation sector and strengthen the country’s position as an international hub.
Germany’s federal government has agreed to reduce the air travel tax, lowering rates for short-, medium-, and long-haul flights from 1 July 2026. The move is intended to strengthen the aviation sector and enhance Germany’s position as an international aviation hub.
Under the new rates, short-haul flight taxes will fall from EUR 15.53 to EUR 13.03, medium-haul from EUR 39.34 to EUR 33.01, and long-haul from EUR 70.83 to EUR 59.43, providing relief of up to EUR 11.40 per passenger. The reductions return tax levels to those in place before 1 May 2024.
The government aims to support the aviation industry, which employs around 1.5 million people directly or indirectly and is vital for Germany’s economic strength, international connectivity, and export capacity. While the tax cut may ease ticket costs, airlines retain discretion over whether to pass on the savings to passengers.
The reduction is part of a broader package approved by the coalition committee on 13 November 2025, targeting comprehensive measures to strengthen the aviation sector amid rising operating costs and international competition.
