BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – High taxes and fees are making air travel increasingly unattractive in Germany, according to Anja Karliczek, CDU politician and chair of the Bundestag's Tourism Committee. "If we do not lower the air traffic tax soon, we risk Germany losing even more flight connections," she told the German Press Agency. The coalition had promised a reduction, but it is not yet included in the draft budget for 2026.
Industry Calls for Relief
The former Federal Minister of Education also criticized airport charges, saying, "Fees at German airports are simply too high by international standards, and that is exactly what drives airlines abroad." She noted that passengers are already opting for cheaper neighboring countries: "It cannot be that vacationers are traveling to Amsterdam or Warsaw just because flying from there is cheaper."
Karliczek is not alone in her criticism. The Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry is also demanding lower location costs. Fewer passengers mean less business for hotels, tour operators, or trade fairs, the association warns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) emphasized during last week's budget debate that commercial air traffic must be relieved in order to remain competitive internationally.
Tourism Between Boom and Limits
Karliczek also warned of overburdened popular destinations. "Especially with regard to foreign hotspots, we must honestly ask ourselves how much tourism a city or region can actually handle." In Spain, for instance, the industry is heading for a new visitor record despite protests. At the same time, the CDU politician reminded that countries like Greece or Italy are heavily dependent on tourism revenues – but sustainability must remain a central goal.
For the coming years, Karliczek identifies key priorities: improving competitiveness for the domestic industry, increasing Germany's international visibility, market-oriented sustainability, and digital offerings for travelers. As committee chair, she intends to advance these topics politically. Tourism, she emphasized, is a job engine and "not just a fair-weather issue." "Millions of jobs depend on this industry."
