Airlines Corendon and Transavia have expressed grave concerns over planned increases to the Dutch flight tax. Corendon claims the local tax burden will soon far exceed charges in neighbouring countries. The company accuses the government of treating Dutch travelers as a “cash cow.”
Ryanair attacks policy as Corendon expands across borders
The criticism follows strong remarks from Irish carrier Ryanair. The budget airline blasted the Jetten cabinet for failing to repeal the controversial tax. It also ruled out further growth in the Netherlands. Corendon emphasized that ordinary families saving for annual holidays will suffer most. Dutch passengers are already booking flights from German airports instead. In response, Corendon will launch direct flights from Düsseldorf to Curaçao this December while expanding its broader German schedule.
Unfair competition threatens local jobs
Transavia highlighted that the escalating tax creates unfair competition across Europe. A spokesperson warned that unequal regulation harms the broader Dutch economy. She added that the policy directly threatens domestic aviation jobs.
Significant rate hikes scheduled for January
Under cabinet plans, the flight tax will rise this January. The current rate of €30 per passenger will jump to €49 for medium-haul flights. Meanwhile, duties on long-haul routes will reach up to €72 per passenger.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
