03/05/2024 (Agence Europe) – In a statement issued on Thursday 2 May, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticised the increase in aviation taxes in Germany. The previous day, these taxes had risen by 19% to between €15.53 and €70.83 per passenger, depending on the route. IATA believes that this tax will make Germany less competitive in key economic areas such as exports, tourism and employment. It is also affecting the recovery of German air transport after the pandemic, one of the slowest in the EU. The number of international passengers in Germany is still 20% below pre-pandemic levels, according to IATA. In addition, weakening the German airline sector will make it more difficult for airlines to invest in sustainable aviation fuels, a more fuel-efficient fleet and other decarbonisation efforts. (AD)