re. the African aid thing... I suspect the aid would have been directed towards reducing carbon emissions in Africa. For example, buying stoves that burn fuel more efficiently or solar lighting. And if you believe in global warming and the idea that Africans will come off worst, then there's also a degree of justice in it. If you don't, then the idea will seem misguided, but there's probably some rationale behind it.
It was from a few years back and I don't think it's come to pass. Instead I believe Europe is trying to tax carbon emissions, which is a rather indirect form of taxing fuel.
You can argue for big or small government, and you can argue what should or should not be taxed, but in principle I don't see taxes as theft myself, and like AN2driver I don't personally see any justice in exempting only airline transport from taxes.