Air Traffic in Austria Emits Record Amount of Emissions

This is 120,000 tons more than in the same period in 2024 and about 40,000 tons more than the previous half-year high in 2019, according to a release.

Emissions in Air Traffic in Austria: New High

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, 480,000 tons of kerosene were refueled in Austria from January to June - an increase of nine percent compared to the same period last year. "As a result, climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions have also risen sharply and reached a new record level," emphasized VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger.

According to the VCÖ, the rising emissions are accompanied by massive tax benefits for airline companies. Since no mineral oil tax is levied on aviation fuel, the tax relief in the first half of the year amounted to around 290 million euros, as calculated by the VCÖ. This is 25 million euros more than in the first half of 2024.

VCÖ Demands Kerosene Tax

In view of the increasing climate burden, the VCÖ is calling for the introduction of an EU-wide kerosene tax. Part of the revenue should be invested in the expansion of cross-border rail connections. "Europe needs more rail instead of climate-damaging tax privileges for air traffic," said Schwendinger.

(APA/Red)

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