A coalition of 13 countries unveiled a declaration on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to tax private jets and business or first-class flights, with revenue directed toward climate action, though only two high-income nations have joined the initiative.
The coalition aims to make the heaviest polluters contribute most to addressing climate change. Tax details vary by country, but all target luxury air travel.
Most participating nations are from the Global South, despite wealthier countries’ citizens generating more luxury travel emissions.
The coalition invited additional countries to join.
“This initiative deserves to be celebrated,” said Mattias Söderberg, climate advisor at DanChurchAid.
“Finally, some governments are taking leadership and introducing taxes on private jet travel. These flights emit far more CO₂ per passenger than any other form of transport.”
Söderberg criticised wealthy nations for limited participation.
“It is disappointing that so few wealthy countries are joining in,” he said.
“The richest nations – whose citizens are most responsible for luxury emissions – should be the first to act, not the last.”
He called it embarrassing that lower- and middle-income countries show more courage on climate justice than wealthy ones.
For Global South nations already experiencing climate impacts, the taxes can help mobilise adaptation resources, Söderberg said.
“Every initiative that reduces emissions and generates finance for vulnerable communities counts – and this one sends a clear message: it’s time for the richest to pay their share,” he said.
Söderberg expressed hope that more countries would announce participation in the coming days.
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief