- Premium Flyer Tax? A Closer Look
The European Commission has proposed a tax on business- and first-class air travel to help fund climate action. While the intention is commendable, the measure risks reinforcing the misconception that business travel is a luxury—and fails to address the complexity of sustainable mobility.
BT4Europe’s position is clear:
Business travel is not a luxury. It is a vital enabler of economic activity, innovation, and international collaboration. We fully support climate goals, but caution against one-size-fits-all tax policies that:
- Do not distinguish between business and leisure travel
- Fail to reinvest revenues into sustainable aviation, such as SAF and fleet renewal
- Disproportionately impact EU-based carriers and companies with mandated travel policies
- Undermine the competitiveness of European hubs and the Single Market
What is needed instead is smart, data-driven regulation—one that balances environmental ambitions with economic realities and supports long-term solutions for cleaner aviation.
Read the full BT4Europe position on business travel and climate policy:
