Netherlands Considering Flight Tax for Transiting Passengers

If you have plans to travel to Europe next year, you may want to reconsider using Amsterdam as a transit hub. You might be subject to a tax, even if your stay in the city is brief.

Following the confirmation of a flight cap set for 2024 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the Dutch government is contemplating the introduction of a passenger tax for travellers who transit through Amsterdam, regardless of their brief visit.

It’s all part of a larger plan to reduce congestion at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the proceeds will be used to reduce energy taxes.

The proposed tax could amount to approximately $56.

A substantial number of members in the Netherlands' House of Representatives have endorsed this motion. Should it become law, passengers passing through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, including those on private jets, would be subject to this tax.

It's worth noting that most other European airports do not charge a transfer tax. This fee could potentially reduce passengers at the airport.

Transit Tax Sparks Concern To Airlines

The introduction of a new tax for passengers who transit via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will have serious consequences for the connectivity of the Netherlands as a whole.

The CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Marjan Rintel, is expressing disappointment regarding the newly proposed legislature.

“Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a motion (proposal) to introduce a tax for transfer passengers. The imposition of such a tax is incomprehensible and very worrying.”
CEO of KLM, Marjan Rintel

KLM warned that this unique taxation proposal could negatively impact air services departing from Schiphol.

Schiphol, as a key global aviation hub, is critical in connecting travellers globally, and the tax on transfer passengers may push travellers to select alternative airports, resulting in significant revenue losses.

Rintel claimed that six out of 10 of KLM’s passengers pass through the airport to connect to other destinations.

What do your thoughts on the Dutch government adding a new transfer tax for Schiphol Airport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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