Dutch flight tax axed

Easyjet and Ryanair have welcomed a decision by the Dutch government to axe its flights tax – a version of the UK’s Air Passenger Duty

Ryanair called on the Irish and UK Governments to follow the example and scrap the Irish tourist tax and Gordon Brown’s £10 airport tax.

It said European Governments cannot stimulate tourism by taxing visitors, but should welcome tourists by lowering Europe’s airport and ATC taxes

“Ryanair has campaigned against high airport tax and so called “eco”tax which deter visitors and has cost the Dutch tourism industry millions in lost revenue,” said Ryanair’s Daniel de Carvalho.

“Tourists have voted with their feet and turn their back on the Netherlands as a tourist destination. Today’s decision to abolish this tax is a sensitive step to reverse the steep decline in traffic that the Netherlands has suffered.”

Easyjet chief executive Andy Harrison said: “The Dutch Government has done the right thing to ensure that aviation has a future in The Netherlands

“But even after the tax is abolished, Schiphol will be Europe’s second most expensive airport – more expensive than Paris, Frankfurt or Zurich.”

He added: “The Dutch government has put the ball on the penalty spot; Schiphol must now convert the penalty and bring its cost in line with other major airports in Europe.

“Only if both conditions are met will airlines start investing in The Netherlands again.”