In a announcement that could impact holiday travel plans for thousands, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has hinted at the potential cancellation of routes to popular Christmas weekend destinations.
CEO, Anniken Håbjørg, expressed serious concerns over rising operational costs driven by increases in Norway.
Speaking to the Norwegian newspaper , Håbjørg said: "The limit has been reached. Further tax increases could result in fewer flights and a reduced range of destinations for travelers."
The Norwegian government recently unveiled plans to increase airport taxes over the next five years to stabilise Avinor, the state-owned airport operator, which has been struggling financially due to decreased air traffic in recent years.
These proposed hikes in taxes have raised alarms within the aviation sector, as they could force airlines, including SAS, to rethink their service offerings.
Håbjørg added: "Additional fiscal burdens will not only affect SAS but other airlines as well, leading to potential route reductions."
Comparatively, neighboring Sweden has recently cut airport taxes, a move that Håbjørg believes places Norwegian airlines at a competitive disadvantage.
He urged the Norwegian government to reconsider its taxation strategy.
He claimed that the aviation industry already contributes significantly to infrastructure costs and environmental efforts.
"We think that Avinor should also look at their own costs and what they can do to reduce these, as the entire industry is doing," Håbjørg said.
This situation comes as airlines around the world are still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dramatically altered travel patterns and diminished passenger volumes.
The potential loss of routes to cherished holiday destinations could affect many travelers planning Christmas getaways, leading to concerns about reduced flight availability during a peak travel season.
You may also like
Second day: Now Ayodhya flight faces bomb threat
Meghan Markle 'far from alone' after vile abuse as expert makes Princess Kate comparison
GMDA conducts major demolition drive in Gurugram
Qatar's Emir Criticizes Israel for Expanding Conflict to West Bank and Lebanon
Golf: Haryana Open 2024 to get underway from October 17
'I tried Butlin's new £25 all-inclusive drinks package - the selection is huge'
Investment options for NRIs returning home after retirement
Why Elon Musk's Megazilla catching SpaceX's booster was such a leap forward for mankind
CSMC Recovers ₹100 Crore in Property and Water Taxes, Emphasizes Revenue Growth for Future Projects
India to make digital connectivity affordable for emerging economies: Piyush Goyal
No growth in last 3 years: Mithali Raj on women's T20 world cup debacle
Horror film so scary viewers 'couldn't breathe' watching it now available to stream at home
'Katya Jones showed me proof friendship with Wynne Evans is real deal hours before sorry saga'
Global smartphone market grows 2 pc, iPhone 16 makes Apple biggest brand in Sep
Soaked Cashews: Unlock the Power of Soaked Cashews for a Healthier You
Princess Eugenie shares new picture of Sarah Ferguson with grandson in heartfelt message
Warning decent pay rises 'could end' - but there is good news for Bank of England rate cut
"Always backstabs us...": Former Deputy CM of J-K hits out at Pakistan
[Update] Ola Electric Shares Tumble 3% Amid Regulatory Scrutiny Over 'BOSS' Sale
Kamran Ghulam's Debut Century Guides Pakistan To 259 For 5 Against England