Italy is one of the world’s premier destinations for private aviation, from the fashion runways of Milan to the summer coasts of Sardinia. However, it is also home to one of the most complex aviation tax systems in Europe.
For travelers and aircraft owners, the “Italian Luxury Tax” (often called the Salva Italia tax) can be a source of confusion and unexpected costs.
At Charter Wind, we believe in total transparency. Whether you are booking a Leisure Charter to Rome or managing your own aircraft, here is exactly what you need to know about these fees so you are never caught off guard.
What is the Italian Luxury Tax?
The Italian Luxury Tax on private aviation is actually two separate taxes:
- The Aero Taxi Tax: A per-passenger fee levied on each leg of a charter flight arriving in or departing from Italy (ranging from €10 to €200 per person).
- The Private Aircraft Tax: An ownership tax applied to private aircraft parked in Italy for more than 45 consecutive days, calculated based on the aircraft’s weight (MTOW).
1. The “Aero Taxi” Tax (For Passengers)
If you are chartering a private jet to or from Italy, this is the tax that applies to you. It is officially known as the Imposta Erariale sui voli dei passeggeri di aerotaxi.
This tax is charged per passenger and per leg.
The 2026 Tax Rates
The amount you pay depends on the distance of your flight:
- €10 per passenger: For flights shorter than 100 km (mostly relevant for helicopter transfers).
- €100 per passenger: For flights between 100 km and 1,500 km (e.g., Milan to Paris, Rome to Nice).
- €200 per passenger: For flights longer than 1,500 km (e.g., New York to Rome, London to Naples).
How is it Collected?
When you book with Charter Wind, we calculate this tax instantly and include it in your initial quote.
- Warning: Some brokers hide this fee to make their quote look cheaper, only to add it as a “post-flight invoice.” Always ask if the “Italian Luxury Tax” is included.
Who is Exempt?
- State aircraft (Government/Military).
- Rescue and Medical flights (Air Ambulance).
- Certified training flights.
2. The Private Aircraft Tax (For Owners)
This second tax applies to owners of private aircraft, not charter passengers.
Originally, Italy taxed all private aircraft parked for more than 48 hours. However, regulations were updated to be more friendly to tourism. Now, foreign-registered aircraft are generally exempt unless they stay in Italy for a long period.
The “45-Day Rule”
Foreign-registered aircraft (non-Italian tail numbers) are subject to this ownership tax only if they remain parked on Italian soil for more than 45 consecutive days.
- Strategic Tip: If your aircraft leaves Italy (even for a short flight to France or Switzerland) and returns, the 45-day clock resets.
Tax Rates for Owners
The tax is calculated based on the Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of the aircraft.
- Light Jets (~4,000 kg): ~€4.25 per kg.
- Heavy Jets (~10,000+ kg): ~€7.55 per kg.
- Note: Rates are doubled for helicopters.
Why Does This Tax Exist?
The tax was introduced in 2012 as part of the “Save Italy” (Salva Italia) austerity package during the financial crisis. While it initially caused a drop in private traffic, the market has stabilized. Today, paying the tax is simply a routine part of accessing some of the most exclusive destinations on earth.
Whether you are flying into the dedicated Executive Airports of Milan Linate or the VIP terminal at Olbia, the convenience of Italian travel far outweighs the regulatory costs.
Summary: How to Avoid Surprise Fees
- Check Your Quote: Ensure your broker has listed “Italian Passenger Tax” as a line item.
- Reset the Clock: If you own a jet and are vacationing in Italy for the summer, plan a short trip outside the country every 40 days to avoid the ownership tax.
- Book with Experts: Complex tax laws require experienced brokers. Charter Wind monitors these regulations daily to ensure your flight is compliant and cost-efficient.
Planning a Trip to Italy?
Get an all-inclusive quote that covers all taxes and fees upfront. No surprises.
