Evaluating passenger leakage of Dutch travellers to foreign airports under the influence of the aviation tax

Master Thesis (2026)
Author(s)

A. Wójciński (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Contributor(s)

A. Bombelli – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

P.C. Roling – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

F. Oliviero – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Graduation Date
25-06-2026
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
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Abstract

The reintroduction and subsequent increases of the aviation tax in the Netherlands have raised questions regarding the leakage of Dutch passengers to nearby foreign airports. In 2027, the Netherlands is set to modify its existing aviation tax, creating a distance-based structure, while also heavily increasing the charged amounts. This study evaluates the expected impact of the tax increases on airport substitution, which exacerbates the leakage phenomenon. The calculation of the leakage for each postcode location in the Netherlands reveals an increase in foreign-airport departures among Dutch residents. The leakage is exacerbated, particularly among those living in the border regions and those embarking on medium and long-haul journeys, where the tax effects are the most prevalent. The findings highlight the increased probability of Dutch citizens selecting foreign departure airports in order to save additional funds.