Vienna and Lower Austria leaders call for abolition of aviation taxes

Regional leaders in Vienna and Lower Austria are calling on the Austrian federal government to abolish aviation taxes following a decline in passenger numbers at Vienna International Airport. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig and Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner argue that current levies are harming the region's economic competitiveness and international connectivity.

Currently, a tax of 12 euros is applied to most flight tickets, rising to 30 euros for short-haul flights under 350 kilometers. These costs have driven low-cost carriers toward Bratislava Airport in Slovakia, which is located only 55 kilometers from Vienna and operates with costs approximately one-third lower. Wizz Air has already departed from Vienna, and Ryanair has relocated several aircraft to Slovakia.

While Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke has proposed 30 million euros in annual crisis aid for the aviation sector, airport officials suggest this will not be sufficient to offset the loss of passengers. Leaders warn that the tax threatens tourism, employment, and the overall economic stability of the region.