EU Aviation Tax Plan Could Shift Millions of Tourists from Spain to Morocco

The European Union wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, it has implemented the Fit For 55 plan, which imposes three measures on the aviation sector: the limitation of CO₂ emission rights, the use of green fuels by at least 70% of aircraft serving the EU, and a tax on kerosene of €7.53/gigajoule. While the first two measures have already been approved, the third is still under study, reports El Debate, adding that airlines are warning against the adoption of this last measure.

"Deloitte estimates that if this tax were imposed, Spain would lose 4.5 million international tourists in 2030. This would mean a drop in GDP and job losses," explained Javier Gándara, president of the Association of Airlines (ALA), during a press conference. And to continue: "Most of these tourists would choose to go to other competing countries outside the European Union, such as Egypt, Turkey or Morocco. We would lose passengers and it would not be possible to reduce the carbon footprint."

The president of the ALA believes that the ecological transition of aviation must take into account all aspects: environmental, social and economic. "We are committed to the decarbonization of aviation, but this must be done while maintaining its democratization, so that it remains accessible and affordable for all," insisted Gándara, calling on the Spanish government to promote the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and to vote against the kerosene tax.