The opposition-led XVIII. district self-government voted for the HUF 1,000 air passenger tax, which has already caused enormous outrage. The aviation industry executive and tax expert interviewed by Világgazdaság also believe that the measure is illegal, which would also deal a huge blow to the regional strength of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.
He considers the XVIII. district's air passenger tax, Smartwings, the company's lawyers turn to the Capital City Government Office in order to repeal the measure, but they even go to the Kúria to stop "this madness".
Managing director Attila Farkas revealed to Világgazdaság that the details of the tax were not sent to the airlines by the municipality, but rather by the ground handlers. According to the executive director, it is nonsense that they would practically have a week to prepare for the rule that will come into force on January 1 because of the Christmas holidays.
When I went to negotiate with the municipality, I saw surprised faces. Unfortunately, they have no idea how the airline industry works. The argument was made that the tax should only be paid in March at first - but that means we have to collect the money in January and February, and the administration has to work. I tried to explain to them that the January and February tickets were already sold a long time ago - Attila Farkas listed in response to Világgazdaság's question.
He added that the measure is also extremely worrying from a data protection point of view, moreover, Liszt Ferenc International Airport would be shooting itself in the foot, and the airports of neighboring countries would become cheaper.
The full article of Magyar Nemzet can be read here.
Picture: József Balaton
