Airlines have criticised a Dutch plan for a EU-wide phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that affordable greener travel alternatives need to be available first.
Ryanair CEO `Michael O’Leary and Lufthansa CEO, Carsten Spohr among others, believe train fares are still too expensive to replace air travel, suggesting that cutting support for aviation to make it more sustainable would be counterproductive.
The Dutch government revealed that it spent up to €46.4 bn in 2023 on fossil fuel subsidies, with more than €3.6 bn going to airlines through exemptions on kerosene tax and VAT.
Rob Jetten, the Dutch climate minister, suggests that international agreements, such as those for airlines and shipping, should be tackled at the EU level. However, critics argue that without affordable alternatives, such efforts are unrealistic.
Michael O’Leary of Ryanair said: “Until you have some affordable alternative that you can offer to voters and to consumers across Europe, it’s all just pie in the sky.”
