BT4Europe has voiced its strong opposition to the European Commission-backed proposal to introduce a surcharge on first- and business-class air travel intended to fund international climate action.
According to BT4Europe, the surcharge risks misrepresenting the nature of business travel and undermining Europe’s economic competitiveness.
It argues that the proposed surcharge fails to differentiate between essential business travel and discretionary leisure travel nor does it guarantee reinvestment into sustainable aviation solutions like SAF and fleet modernisation.
It reinforces misconceptions of business travel as elitist or non-essential and disproportionately impacts European-based airlines and companies with strict travel policies.
Additionally, the measure risks undermining the competitiveness of the single market and European aviation hubs.
While supporting climate action, BT4Europe warns that simplistic fiscal approaches may cause more harm than good if they are not carefully designed.
Approximately 10% of business travellers fly in premium cabins yet the policy’s framing equates business travel with luxury, something which BT4Europe says is a misleading narrative that fails to recognise the essential, purpose-driven nature of corporate travel.
Instead, BT4Europe is calling for a smart, data-driven climate policy that aligns environmental objectives with fair taxation, targeted investment and a level playing field across the industry.
BT4Europe’s Odete Pimenta da Silva said: “Business travel is not excess – it is essential. It connects economies, drives innovation and supports European growth.”
“Europe needs climate measures that are effective, equitable and economically sound. Business travel should be part of the solution – not unfairly penalised by one-size-fits-all taxes,” added da Silva.
