Sweden’s government has eliminated its aviation tax effective July 1, 2025, marking a major pivot away from its previous “flight shaming” approach. Originally introduced in 2018, the tax aimed to encourage environmental responsibility but reportedly led to a significant drop in passenger numbers and hurt regional connectivity.
The aviation tax ranged from approximately £5.50 to £37.40 per ticket depending on flight distance. By 2019, international flights from Sweden had declined by around one-third, with many smaller airports suffering losses in service. Critics argue that while flight volume decreased, overall emissions were not significantly impacted given the global nature of carbon output.
Facing a recession in 2023 and subdued economic growth in 2024, Sweden’s new centre-right government opted to abolish the aviation tax and commit £76 million toward aviation infrastructure to enable airlines to resume routes. Major carriers like Ryanair and easyJet welcomed the change, with Ryanair adding aircraft and launching new routes, and easyJet citing lowered costs for consumers.
However, environmental groups have raised concerns that removing the tax could increase emissions. Greenpeace and the Swedish Green Party criticized the move as compromising climate commitments in favor of short-term economic gain. These critics pointed out that Sweden itself acknowledged the tax removal would likely increase emissions, and they noted risks to the long-term sustainability of regional transport as fuel and wage taxes were simultaneously cut.
Sweden’s reversal has implications beyond its borders. Other European nations—such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and France—have introduced or adjusted flight taxes and restrictions. Observers suggest Sweden’s policy shift could influence whether these countries maintain, adjust, or reverse similar measures.
