Lufthansa, Air Berlin Reject ‘Disastrous’ Merkel Flight Levy

Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air Berlin Plc, Germany’s two biggest air-passenger carriers, called a national levy on flight tickets that came into effect today a “disastrous” step that will defeat its own purpose.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government said the tax will be imposed on all flights out of the country from Jan. 1, including tickets booked starting today. The charge adds 8 euros ($10.27) to tickets to 52 European destinations, 25 euros to 50 airports in Asia and Africa, and 45 euros to all other destinations.