Passengers flying in business or first class or travelling by private jet could face a new tax under a proposal currently being discussed at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
The measure is being developed by the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, which was launched in 2023 and is co-chaired by Barbados, Kenya and France. For private jets, the levy could be linked to kerosene consumption, although other options are also under consideration.
Experts say that passengers in business or first class and private jets are responsible for three or more times the emissions of those in economy class.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the conference that it is fair for those who pollute the most to pay their share.
France already charges a variable luxury flight tax on international flights to and from the country, which has served as a model for the proposed global initiative.
The plan is part of wider efforts to make air travel more sustainable and ensure wealthier travellers contribute to climate action.
–ChannelAfrica–
