European business travel network, BT4 Europe has heavily criticised the proposed terms of an EU plan to introduce a travel tax on first and business class travel, saying the proposals do not offer a level playing field for those having to travel by air for work on a regular basis.
A coalition including some EU Member States, backed by the European Commission, has proposed a surcharge on first- and business-class travel as a mechanism to fund international climate action and sustainable development.
BT4 Europe said: “While this measure may appear targeted and symbolic, its broader implications warrant serious attention — particularly for Europe’s business travel ecosystem.
“Although only around 10% of business travellers are “premium flyers” – first class, business class, private jets – the framing of the policy risks equating all business travel with luxury. This is a misleading narrative. Business travel is not excess — it is essential.”
BT4 Europe said it is in favour of climate action and recognises the urgency of finding an solution, but also warned against what it described as “simplistic solutions”.
“We caution against simplistic fiscal measures that fail to distinguish between essential, purpose-driven business travel and discretionary leisure travel,” the organisation said.
“Such measures risk reinforcing the misperception that business travel is elitist or non-essential, while failing to reinvest revenues into sustainable aviation solutions such as SAF and fleet renewal. Moreover, they disproportionately impact European-based carriers and organisations bound by strict travel policies, and risk undermining the competitiveness of the Single Market and Europe’s major hubs.”
“BT4Europe recognises the urgency of climate action. However, we caution against simplistic fiscal measures that:
- Do not distinguish between essential, purpose-driven business travel and
discretionary leisure travel; - Fail to reinvest revenues into sustainable aviation technologies such as SAF and
fleet renewal; - Reinforce the misperception of business travel as elitist or non-essential;
- Disproportionately affect European-based carriers and policy-bound travel buyers;
- Underminethecompetitivenessof the Single Market and European hubs.
“Instead, BT4Europe supports smart, data-driven policy that aligns environmental goals with fair taxation and a level playing field.”
