Germany’s SPD and Green parliamentary groups are calling for an additional tax on private-jet flights, to be incorporated into the country’s existing air-traffic tax. The proposal would apply to private aircraft operating in Germany and would be accompanied by demands for their inclusion in the European emissions-trading system without exemptions. No tax has been enacted and no government bill has been presented.
SPD environmental-policy spokesman Jakob Blankenburg said the measure would require political support from the CDU/CSU governing partner. He proposed directing the additional revenue towards climate adaptation, including protection against flooding and drought.
Green parliamentary-group co-chair Katharina Dröge separately backed an extra charge, citing a new Oxfam study on the disproportionate climate impact of wealthy people. France and Italy were cited as examples of countries already imposing additional charges on private-jet flights. Italy reportedly applies distance-based fees of about €100 to €200 per passenger.
Germany recorded 55,618 private flights in 2025, generating approximately 182,165 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to figures linked to the Oxfam-related reporting. The data equates to roughly one private-jet departure every nine minutes. The proposed German surcharge’s rate, legal scope, covered aircraft and implementation timetable have not been specified.