Short answer: demand, fees, and new taxes. Read on for the timeline, what changes in 2026 and 2027, and smart ways to save when flying from the Netherlands.
What’s going on with flight prices right now?
Airfares changed a lot since the pandemic. Airlines adjust ticket prices in real time to match demand, fuel costs, and operating expenses. Schiphol’s popularity and steady tourist interest push fares up. On top of that, governments add taxes and levies that directly increase the price you pay at booking.
Important tax timeline you need to know
Below I lay out the concrete tax changes so you can plan your trips and compare costs clearly.
2025
The existing departure tax that many travelers know about is €29.40 per ticket.
As of 2026
The departure tax for flights leaving the Netherlands will rise. The tax will increase from €29.40 to €30.25 per ticket. That change applies per passenger on departing flights and will appear on your booking total.
Expected change in 2027: tax moves to a distance-based system
The government plans to shift from a single flat departure tax to a three-tier system that prices flights by distance. Under the expected scheme the tariffs would be:
- Short flights up to 2,000 kilometers: €29.40
- Middle long flights between 2,000 and 5,500 kilometers: €47.24
- Long haul flights longer than 5,500 kilometers: €70.86
Note that the three-tier structure targets distance flown, so longer routes carry a higher tax. This change aims to better reflect environmental and cost differences between short and intercontinental journeys.
How authorities measure distance: your final destination wins
They base the tariff on your end destination only. It does not matter if you book a flight with a transfer or stopover. If your final destination lies within the short flight band, you pay the short flight tariff even when you change planes along the way.
Example: if your ticket goes Amsterdam to London to a final city over 5,500 kilometers from Amsterdam, the long haul flight tariff applies, regardless of the transfer.
Special case: the Dutch Caribbean
The Dutch Caribbean islands are exempt from the distance-based tax even when the distance exceeds 5,500 kilometers. Because these islands form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, flights to those territories will use the short flight tariff instead of the long haul rate.
Why these changes matter for travelers
The new structure changes how much tax you pay depending on where you fly. If you mainly book short hops inside Europe, the tax impact stays limited. If you fly long haul, expect a bigger tax component on top of airline fares. The 2026 bump to €30.25 already raises the baseline cost per passenger, and the 2027 split could raise long haul ticket totals noticeably.
Practical tips to save when flying from Amsterdam
Don’t panic. Use strategy and you’ll still find good deals.
- Book shoulder season trips outside peak summer and major holidays.
- Check alternative airports like Rotterdam The Hague or Eindhoven when you can. Sometimes they offer cheaper fares even after transfer costs.
- Compare direct and multi-leg itineraries because final-destination rules can make multi-leg tickets cheaper in tax terms.
- Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches so you catch dips in dynamic pricing.
- Factor taxes into your budget so you don’t get surprised at checkout.
Conclusion
Airfare from Amsterdam costs more because of strong demand, operational expenses, and evolving taxes. The concrete updates to watch are the 2026 rise to €30.25 per departing ticket and the expected 2027 move to a three-tier distance tax with the rates listed above. Remember: your end destination decides the tariff, transfers do not. Also keep the Dutch Caribbean exemption in mind if you travel to the Kingdom territories.
