A message from Andreas Carlson, Minister for Transport for Sweden, to the annual Airlines for Europe conference in Brussels celebrated the government’s abolition of aviation tax last July and reiterated that aviation forms a cornerstone of economic development, connectivity and cohesion across Europe.
He said that the sector creates opportunities for people and companies through trade, tourism and business links. For Sweden, with its long distances and sparsely populated regions, air travel remains crucial for domestic mobility and international connections. The minister congratulated Airlines for Europe on its tenth anniversary and recognised the organisation’s work in representing carriers and promoting a competitive aviation sector.
The Swedish government reversed previous deprioritisation of aviation, saying now that a strong sector supports regional accessibility, economic development and competitiveness. Carlson confirmed that strengthening aviation increases Sweden’s appeal for investment, innovation and tourists. This approach enables companies to grow and keeps the country open in the global economy.
Sweden abolished its national aviation tax on 1 July 2025 to support competitiveness and connectivity, the minister said. He said the removal of the tax makes operations to and from Sweden easier and more profitable for airlines. It also creates conditions for investment in modern aircraft and improved passenger services. For a nation reliant on long-distance travel, these changes count as decisive factors.
The government took further steps to reinforce aviation in Sweden beyond the tax abolition. Carlson confirmed that these measures aim to ensure the sector contributes to national growth. He summarised the position by stating that Sweden stands open for aviation.
The minister expressed confidence that Airlines for Europe will continue to shape the future of European aviation over the next decade and beyond. He thanked the organisation for the invitation and the opportunity to address the conference.
Andreas Carlson shared: “removing the tax supports competitiveness, strengthens connectivity, and makes it easier for airlines to operate growth to from Sweden. And even more profitable to do so. It also includes conditions for investment in future neural, modern aircraft, and improved services for passengers. For a country dependent on long distance travel, these are decisive factors. In addition to abolishing that aviation tax, the government has taken steps to reinforce aviation in Sweden, but to summarise it all, I can tell you this. The Swedish economy is open for aviation.”
