Robert Lindberg, CEO of Skellefteå Airport, is positive about the government's decision to remove the Swedish aviation tax. "I want the same rules as my competitors in Europe," he says.
The Swedish government and the Sweden Democrats have announced the abolition of the controversial aviation tax, effective from July 1, 2025. Initially introduced in 2018 to reduce the environmental impact of air travel, the tax will be removed to enhance Sweden’s competitiveness. Domestic and European flight tickets are expected to become approximately 80 kronor cheaper, while long-haul flights will see a reduction of 325 kronor.
The decision has raised concerns about potential increases in air traffic and emissions. Linda Lindberg, the Sweden Democrats’ group leader, acknowledged these environmental risks but stressed the importance of a competitive aviation industry for both businesses and individuals.
Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch added that the broader budget aims to reduce overall climate emissions, arguing that penalizing individual families or jeopardizing significant green projects is not the solution.
The aviation tax has been a contentious issue within the governing coalition, particularly between the Sweden Democrats and the Liberals, who hold differing views on climate policy.
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari of the Liberals had previously opposed the tax's removal, advocating instead for alignment with the EU's climate policies to ensure that the aviation industry bears its environmental costs.
Robert Lindberg, CEO of Skellefteå Airport, welcomes the government's decision. He believes that the Swedish aviation tax has created unfair competition between Swedish airports and airports in Europe.
– Sweden has seen very weak development in terms of accessibility and air travel. The aviation tax has been a contributing factor.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and a number of researchers from Chalmers and KTH are critical and have pointed out that the EU's system covers less than half of Swedes' aviation emissions.