Private jet cabin: Is there a tax on luxury flights?
Source: Imago
Anyone traveling first or business class or by private jet will be asked to pay more in future – France and Spain promoted this at the world climate conference in Brazil. This is intended to finance investment in climate protection and adaptation efforts. The question of additional taxes could give rise to new conflicts in the black federal government.
Although the Ministry of the Environment, led by the SPD, commented positively on the initiative, CDU representatives remained cautious. Just this week, the black-red coalition decided to reduce taxes on air transport tickets on July 1, 2026 – drawing sharp criticism from climate activists.
Midway through the climate conference in Brazil, the results were mixed.
November 15, 2025 | 1:46 min
The SPD supported the plan – CDU representatives were critical
Federal Ministry of the Environment spokesperson Carsten Schneider (SPD) told “Spiegel” about the idea of a luxury tax on flights:
Anyone traveling in first class or on a private plane will be able to pay taxes without any problems.
Federal Ministry of the Environment
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) told the magazine:
This problem does not currently appear.
Federal Ministry of Transport
The CDU-led Federal Ministry of Economy declined to comment, referring to the “responsible Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Transport”.
The government has agreed on measures to strengthen the economy: Taxes on air transport tickets will be reduced.
11/14/2025 | 0:27 min
Investment in climate resilience is needed
France and Spain, along with seven other countries, called for additional taxes on luxury flights at a world climate conference in Brazil. The Spanish Ambassador to Brazil, María del Mar Fernández-Palacios, explained:
Those who produce more pollution must also contribute more.
María del Mar Fernández-Palacios, Spanish Ambassador to Brazil
“A levy on premium passengers could generate billions of dollars for climate resilience, adaptation and sustainable development.” In an effort to fight the climate crisis, countries need predictable income that does not burden their citizens.
The German aviation industry is in trouble. Airlines are now trying to save costs.
20 Oct 2025 | 1:30 min
The number of climate-damaging private flights is increasing
Flying is by far the most climate-damaging way to travel. According to the Premium Passenger Solidarity Coalition, just one percent of the world’s population is responsible for more than half of commercial aviation’s climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, “premium” air travel has increased significantly: emissions from private aviation increased by 46 percent between 2019 and 2023.
interview
Source: dpa
