Nine-nation coalition at COP30 proposes levy on business and private flights
A coalition of nine countries, including Spain and France, is urging delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil to adopt a targeted tax on business-class airline tickets and private-jet travel. The group, calling itself the Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition, says such a levy would raise predictable revenue for climate resilience, adaptation and sustainable development without unduly burdening ordinary citizens.
“Those who pollute more should contribute more,”
— María del Mar Fernández-Palacios, Spain's ambassador to Brazil.
Officials from the coalition argue that a premium-flight tax could generate billions of dollars that could be directed to vulnerable countries and communities to help them adapt to climate impacts. The proposal is framed as a solidarity measure: targeting high-emission, luxury travel rather than mass or essential travel.
France's climate ambassador, Benoît Faraco, said solidarity taxes on luxury flights are consistent with the spirit of the Paris Agreement and urged other countries at COP30 to consider joining the initiative.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Germany's Environment Minister Carsten Schneider told Der Spiegel that passengers who fly first class or use private jets are unlikely to be financially strained by a modest levy: “Anyone travelling first class or in a private jet will be able to pay a levy on it without any problems.”
That comment comes amid a contrasting domestic development: Germany's coalition government recently voted to reduce the air travel ticket tax starting in July next year, a decision that climate activists have sharply criticized as inconsistent with stronger aviation climate measures.
What’s at stake
Supporters say targeted luxury-flight taxes can provide stable, fair funding for climate finance while sending a signal about emissions equity. Critics and opponents, however, question the political feasibility, potential legal hurdles, and whether such measures would sufficiently reduce emissions or simply raise revenues.
The Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition is pressing for international coordination at COP30 to ensure any levy is effective, equitable and channelled to climate resilience and development projects in the most affected regions.
