Sardinia waives aviation tax for six months of the year to boost winter travel

Sardinia allocated €18.2m for tax waiver until 2028
The waiver applies from November to March at Cagliari and Olbia
Alghero Airport receives extended waiver through May
The measure aims to boost winter flights and tourism
€3.3m allocated for 2026, €9.1m for 2027, €5.8m for 2028

Sardinia has waived its municipal flight boarding tax for six months of the year to boost winter travel The Regional Government of Sardinia has approved an allocation of €18.2m (US$21m) to scrap the municipal surcharge on airline tickets during the low season. This rule runs until 2028 to encourage airlines like Ryanair to add more flights and bring in more low-season tourists. The allocation includes €3.3m for late 2026, €9.1m for 2027, and €5.8m for 2028.

The tax waiver applies during the winter off-season from November to March. The waiver is active at Cagliari Elmas and Olbia airports, while Alghero Airport receives an extended waiver that includes April and May. By paying the municipal fee on behalf of passengers, the local government makes flying to the island cheaper, with the goal of increasing low-season flights at Cagliari Elmas, stopping winter closures at Olbia Airport, and supporting regional tourism at Alghero Airport.

Sardinia struggles with tourism drops when summer ends, with airlines frequently cutting routes in the winter due to high fees. The tax cut is expected to keep airports busy, support local hotels, and fight winter business closures. The measure runs until 2028.

The Regional Government of Sardinia shared: “The municipal fee will be paid on behalf of passengers during the low season.”