Sweden is set to abolish its aviation tax starting in July 2025 as part of a strategy to revitalize its air travel industry.
Introduced in 2018, the tax imposes a fee ranging from SEK76 to SEK504 (about US$7.40 – $49) per airline ticket for flights arriving at or departing from Swedish airports, with exceptions for transit passengers.
This change still requires approval from the Swedish parliament, but given the current government’s majority, its passage seems likely.
The Swedish government has argued that removing the tax will stimulate economic activity and enhance the country’s air travel sector’s competitiveness while committing to efforts to decarbonize the industry.
This decision marks a shift from the trend seen in other European countries, which have generally introduced or increased taxes on air travel for environmental reasons.
The move is particularly notable given Sweden’s reputation as a pioneer in environmental activism, epitomized by Greta Thunberg and the “flygskam” (flight shame) movement aimed at reducing air travel’s environmental impact.
Despite some scepticism from environmental groups, the Swedish air travel industry and the international airline sector have positively received the decision. Airlines like Ryanair and organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have supported the policy change.
