Given the current difficulties facing airlines - the recent ash crisis, the harsh economic climate and weak consumer confidence - the move is totally inappropriate at a time when airlines need support from governments. 

Commenting on the announcement, Sylviane Lust, Director General of IACA said:

“This tax is thinly disguised as a 'green tax' when it is obviously a revenue generator for the German government.  We are seeing a worrying trend for governments to misuse the 'green' label as a way of making money that does nothing for the environment.”

“The recent ticket tax in the Netherlands caused a significant drop in demand for flights from its airports and had to be hastily withdrawn.  I would urge the German government to first research the full effects that such a tax may have on demand.”

“Following the recent ash crisis, the last thing airlines need is another blunt tax imposed on them.  The EU ETS scheme will be penalising enough for airlines and any more taxes will put further pressure on airlines.”

“We call upon the German government to reconsider urgently its proposal and assess the impact of such a tax on airlines.”