IATA Comments On Misguided Solidarity Levy Proposal
Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed its deep disappointment at the recommendation of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force (GSLTF) to target air transportation in its aim to “improve domestic revenue mobilization of developing countries and support international solidarity (in particular with regards to climate change mitigation and adaptation, pandemics and other development challenges).”
An initial assessment of the GSLTF’s proposals reveals severe deficiencies, including that:
“The airline industry is an economic catalyst, not a cash cow. Yet governments casually suggest a tax on flyers that is three times the airline industry’s annual profit without considering the real-world side effects for an industry that is a lifeline for remote communities, invigorates tourism markets and links local products to global markets. Moreover, while the modalities for the GSLTF proposal are not specified, history shows us that these taxes simply go to the general exchequer, with little, if any, of the revenues generated going to climate change adaptation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“The GSLTF says that their solidarity levies won’t increase the cost of living for ordinary citizens or impact things like household bills. This is untrue. The bottom line is that, if followed, the GSLTF’s recommendations will increase the cost of air travel for all travelers and do more harm than good. Extracting tens of billions from aviation will cripple its ability to invest in achieving net zero by 2050, change route dynamics to the extent that connectivity will suffer, and short-change countries on the critical economic support that air transportation provides,” said Walsh.
“To be clear, airlines are not evading doing their part to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The industry is doing everything possible to achieve net zero carbon emissions with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), more efficient operations, and better technology. The last thing these efforts need is a USD90 billion gut punch of a tax. With respect to air transportation, the aims of the GSLTF could best be realized by supporting investments in SAF production so airlines can deliver prosperity by connecting people and businesses to global opportunities,” said Walsh.
Independent global research carried out by Savanta in 15 countries for IATA reveals deep public skepticism over air travel taxation:
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-07-04-01/