Airline passengers departing Germany will have to pay a new tax on flights booked from January 1, 2011 with immediate effect.
The Federal Transport Minister confirmed that the announcement was designed to stop travellers taking advantage by booking ahead.
Transit passengers will not be charged.
Travellers will pay €8 for flights within Europe, €25 to medium haul destinations and €45 to long haul destinations regardless of the class.
Tax hikes in air passenger duty and VAT in the UK take effect on November 1 and January 4 respectively.
