Ryanair urges new Dutch government to abolish aviation tax

International

Airline says €30 levy undermines competitiveness and regional connectivity

Ryanair has called on the newly appointed Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and the incoming coalition government to abolish the Netherlands’ aviation tax, arguing that the levy is damaging connectivity, regional airports and inbound tourism. The airline says the formation of the new government offers an opportunity to reverse what it describes as years of anti-aviation policy.

Aviation tax rises sharply since 2021

Introduced in 2021, the Dutch aviation tax has risen to €30 per passenger in 2026, representing an increase of 288 per cent over five years. Ryanair argues that the measure has made the Netherlands one of the least competitive aviation markets in Europe. The carrier criticises the structure of the tax, noting that certain connecting passengers are exempt.

According to Ryanair, regional airports have been particularly affected. Maastricht and Groningen are currently operating at 30 per cent and 26 per cent of their pre-pandemic traffic levels respectively. In 2025, the airline withdrew from Maastricht Aachen Airport, citing the combined impact of the €30 passenger tax and rising airport charges.

Ryanair contrasts the Dutch situation with developments in markets such as Albania, Poland and Sweden, where passenger traffic has exceeded pre-Covid levels. The airline attributes this to what it calls pro-growth aviation policies.

Call for policy shift

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady said the aviation tax has increased fares and pushed passengers to seek lower-cost departures from neighbouring countries. He argues that abolishing the levy would restore competitiveness, reduce ticket prices and rebuild lost connectivity, particularly at regional airports.

Brady also points to recent decisions in several European countries and regions to remove aviation taxes, describing this as an opportunity for the Netherlands to adopt a growth-oriented strategy for tourism and air transport.

The Dutch government has not yet announced any changes to the current aviation tax framework.