(JUBA) – South Sudan has joined a coalition of thirteen countries introducing new taxes on luxury air travel, including private jets and premium airline seats. The coalition aims to raise funds for climate action by asking passengers with the highest emissions per traveller to contribute more.
The group, known as the Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition, brings together countries seeking new ways to generate reliable climate finance. Most of the participating members are from the Global South. France and Spain are the only high income nations in the group.
South Sudan, Nigeria and Djibouti joined the coalition last week, while Kenya, Benin and Sierra Leone were among the original members when the bloc was launched in June. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and France are also full members, while Brazil, Fiji and Vanuatu have joined as observers.
Coalition members argue that private jets and premium class travel account for a far higher level of carbon emissions per passenger compared to other transport options. They say a small levy applied at departure could raise steady income for climate resilience and adaptation efforts.
Speaking at the COP30 climate talks, Spanish diplomat Maria del Mar Fernández Palacios said the proposal was based on a simple idea. She said those who pollute more should help pay for climate measures and that a charge on premium travellers could generate significant resources for developing countries facing extreme weather and rising temperatures.
Current projections show that the levy will not raise large sums in the near term. However, members believe the coalition could grow and attract additional support from countries that handle large volumes of private flights, including those with major aviation hubs.
Aviation accounts for about four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The coalition says this sector should make a fair contribution to climate finance, especially at a time when impacts are rising sharply across vulnerable regions, including South Sudan.
Industry groups oppose the plan. The International Air Transport Association said the proposed tax was disappointing and argued that airlines are already reducing emissions through more efficient aircraft, investment in biofuels and carbon offset programmes. Consumer regulators in Europe have raised concerns that some offset claims may mislead passengers about their actual impact on emissions.
South Sudan’s decision to join the coalition comes as the government seeks new partnerships to support long term resilience. The country faces rising temperatures, longer dry seasons and repeated flooding, all of which disrupt farming, markets and transport networks.
The new tax is expected to apply to both local and international departures from member countries. Rates have not yet been published, but officials say revenues will be directed to climate adaptation programmes. The coalition is inviting additional countries to join.
South Sudan Joins Group Seeking Climate Funding from Luxury Travel
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Main Event | South Sudan joins coalition introducing taxes on luxury air travel. |
| Purpose | Raise funds for climate action and adaptation. |
| Tax Applies To | Private jets, business class and first class seats. |
| New Members | South Sudan, Nigeria, Djibouti. |
| Founding Members | Kenya, Benin, Sierra Leone and others including France. |
| Observer States | Brazil, Fiji, Vanuatu. |
| Reason for Levy | Premium travel has the highest emissions per passenger. |
| Industry Reaction | IATA opposes the proposal. |
| Climate Context | Aviation produces about four percent of global emissions. |