Airline increases: Why Greece is excluded - The EU plan

An increase in air ticket prices is expected, as Minister of Transport Giannis Karousos stated at Mesimeri and Kati.

The Minister stressed that the European Union will decide on a series of measures to achieve a 55% reduction in pollution by 2030. "Once we have received this legislation, we have prepared an impact study for the whole EU." He noted that the findings were alarming, as the planes would have to use biofuel.

He added that aircraft would now have to pay for their emissions. "We estimated that in Cyprus there will be a cost of about 18 billion for the next 25 years and it will be borne by the airlines and passengers."

He clarified that the cost of the flight in 2025 will start at 200 million euros per year. "In 2030 the cost will rise to 500 million and then to 800 million."

He noted that the study showed that if something did not change, tickets would increase by 40-50 euros, tourism in Cyprus would decrease, while 10.000 jobs would be lost.

The Minister of Transport communicated these concerns to the EU member states, resulting in changes in the decisions. "We proposed an incentive tool to airlines to reduce costs."

He also mentioned that Cyprus obtained exemptions for flights up to 1200 kilometers, with the result that Greece is excluded.

Finally, Mr. Karousos spoke about the increases in fuel, emphasizing that it is a global phenomenon. "As a government we do what we can for the citizens."

Source: sigmalive.com