BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Air travel is often seen as a symbol of freedom and prosperity. But while it represents convenience for some, for the planet’s climate, it comes at a steep price. Aviation accounts for more than two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—and that footprint is growing. Now, new research suggests a surprisingly simple fix that could make a big difference: taxing airline tickets.
According to a recent study by Dutch consultancy CE Delft, a modest levy on airline tickets could raise over €100 billion ($107 billion) annually. Commissioned by the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, the report outlines a tiered tax plan starting at just €10 ($11) for short-haul economy flights and scaling up to €120 ($129) for long-haul business-class travel. Even a fuel-based tax model, slightly less lucrative, would still generate around €84 billion ($90 billion) per year.
A fairer way to fly
What makes the proposal particularly compelling is its equity-focused design. Only a fraction of the global population flies regularly. In fact, just 1 percent of people are responsible for over half of aviation’s emissions. Meanwhile, many countries still allow airlines to pay little to no tax on fuel, unlike drivers who often pay significant petrol taxes.
Laurence Tubiana, co-chair of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, sees this as a chance to course-correct. “We can redress the balance with a modest extra contribution from those with the greatest means,” she explained, “without raising prices for the vast majority who work hard all year to enjoy an occasional holiday.”
Polling supports the idea. Surveys conducted by Oxfam and Greenpeace in 13 countries show that roughly three-quarters of respondents believe wealthy air passengers should pay more tax. Support for a separate tax on private jets is also high.
Fueling climate justice
The proposed flight tax wouldn’t just serve as a deterrent to emissions—it would fill a major gap in climate finance. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, countries agreed on a goal: by 2035, at least $1.3 trillion must be mobilized annually to help developing nations deal with climate impacts. Of that, $300 billion should come directly from wealthy countries.
However, many experts worry that this commitment will fall short without bold new funding strategies. France, Kenya, and Barbados are already leading the call for international levies on aviation, shipping, and fossil fuels. These so-called global solidarity levies could provide a sustainable revenue stream to support the most climate-vulnerable regions.
Chiara Liguori, a senior policy adviser at Oxfam, emphasized the urgency: “Fairer taxes on polluting industries around the world could help avoid more deaths, providing immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in a fast, fair transition to renewables.”
As climate talks continue, who will pay?
World leaders are now gathering in Bonn to prepare for COP30 in Brazil. Civil society organizations are urging negotiators not to let climate finance fall off the agenda. With global temperatures rising and extreme weather escalating, the need for actionable funding solutions has never been greater.
The idea of a flight tax may not be new, but this latest study shows it could be one of the most practical, scalable, and publicly supported ways to bring climate justice closer to takeoff.
