WILLEMSTAD - The planned increase in the Dutch aviation tax has raised concerns among airports in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Starting in 2027, the tax for long-haul flights will rise to 90 euros per ticket. The measure, aimed at generating 248 million euros annually, could significantly impact the accessibility and economy of the Caribbean region. 

The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA), a collective of airports in the Caribbean, has warned of the potential consequences for the islands. “This tax will make travel to and from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom significantly more expensive,” the organization stated. The increased costs are expected to create challenges for local residents and their family connections, as well as for the tourism sector and cargo transport. 

Call for Exemptions and Impact Studies 

The DCCA is advocating for flights to and from the Caribbean region to be exempt from the tax. It has also called for independent studies to assess the broader effects of this measure. The group emphasizes the region's heavy economic and geographic reliance on air transport. 

Jonny Anderson, CEO of Curaçao International Airport, expressed additional concern about the allocation of the tax revenues, noting that they are not earmarked for climate action or compensatory measures for disproportionately affected regions. Given the Caribbean's relatively small contribution to global CO₂ emissions, the tax feels particularly unjust to many stakeholders in the region. 

This development has sparked a growing debate about the balance between environmental policies and the economic realities of regions that depend heavily on air travel.