THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – The planned increase in the Dutch flight tax will likely not apply to flights to and from the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to a positive assessment by State Secretary Zsolt Szabó (PVV) of Kingdom Relations. This follows a motion submitted by Member of Parliament Peter van Haasen (PVV), which is scheduled for a vote in the Dutch House of Representatives next Tuesday. 

Van Haasen’s motion aims to protect the six Caribbean islands—Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten—from the economic impacts of the proposed differentiated flight tax set to take effect in 2027. He emphasized that tourism is vital to the islands’ economies and that affordable air connections are essential for their economic and social development. 

The motion also references France’s approach, where flights to its overseas territories are considered domestic travel and therefore exempt from additional taxes. The proposed Dutch tax increase is part of a broader climate policy initiative by the Netherlands. 

While no final decision has been made, the motion has been granted “Kamer oordeel” status, allowing members of parliament to vote according to their own judgment. The vote is expected to take place on Tuesday. 

This development offers a hopeful sign for the Caribbean islands, whose economies heavily rely on accessible and affordable air travel.