A joint operation conducted by the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza, GdF) of Lamezia Terme and the local Aviation Unit uncovered a widespread tax evasion related to the so-called "luxury tax" on private flights. The investigation, focused on the activities of numerous aerotaxi and elitaxi operators that operated at Lamezia Terme airport between 2021 and 2023, revealed unpaid amounts to the Treasury totaling 299,000 euros. Of this sum, 230,000 euros refer to the owed tax, while the remaining 69,000 euros pertain to ancillary penalties.

The investigative activity of the GdF concentrated on a thorough analysis of data acquired from the handling companies at the Lamezia Terme airport. The registries of 115 carriers were scrutinized, which operated 647 flights and transported over 2,000 passengers arriving at and departing from Lamezia Terme during the examined period.

Checks revealed that 15 national companies and 99 foreign ones had collected the "luxury tax" from passengers without, however, proceeding to remit it to the State. This tax, introduced by a 2011 decree law, is classified among environmental levies and was designed with a dual purpose: to limit the pollution impact of private air transport and to finance environmental protection initiatives. The tax calculation varies based on the flight distance: 10 euros for routes up to 100 kilometers, 100 euros for distances between 100 and 1,500 kilometers, and 200 euros beyond this threshold. The obligation to remit the tax lies with the carrier, who must transfer the amounts to the State.

At the conclusion of the assessments, some of the companies cited acknowledged the accuracy of the charges and proceeded with the payment of the due sums.