Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the decision by the Dutch Government to abolish the recently introduced departure tax as part of its economic stimulus package.

The tax added a cost of between EUR 11.25 to EUR 45 for every passenger departing from Dutch airports.

"The tax was a EUR 312 million competitive disadvantage for the Dutch economy. Aviation is an important catalyst for the Dutch economy. Abolishing the departure tax was the right decision for the Dutch economy. It will provide an economic boost in this crisis and help build a competitive future," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg. Airlines saw US$6.9 billion in crazy new taxation last year. This is producing all the wrong results - dampening demand and adding costs for businesses," said Bisignani. "This collective madness must stop. It is time for the Irish government to follow suit and repeal its new Air Travel Tax. And it is time for the UK to realise that its Air Passenger Duty is penalising one of its most powerful economic catalysts at the same time that they are spending billions to bail out other failed industries."

Notes for Editors:

  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic.