01/11/2010

Air Tax Increase Lands At UK Airports

From today, holidaymakers will have to pay over the odds for increased air travel taxes.

Described as a "disgrace" by Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive, the 55% hike in air taxes could make some trips just too costly for some travellers.

The cost of APD, an airport departure tax automatically added, for flights of less than 2,000 miles in economy class will remain at £11, with duty on premium tickets remaining at £22.

In the same class, for journeys between 2,001 and 4,000 miles the price will be £60 and £120 for other seats.

For journeys of between 4,001 and 6,000 miles, the price is £75 in economy and £150 in premium classes. And flights of more than 6,000 miles will cost £85 and £170 respectively.

Commenting on the move, which is costing BA an extra £100m, Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive said: "We believe the levels cannot be justified and are having a negative effect on the economic recovery in the UK."

Julie Southern Virgin Atlantic's Chief Commercial Officer said: "Holidays are an essential part of our lives and are valued even more in these difficult economic times.

"With passengers now being asked to pay up to 10 times more tax since APD's introduction, the annual family holiday will become unaffordable for many.

"Our message to government is that this absolutely has to be the last time that the travelling public faces APD rises."

The Government has cited environmental reasons for the rises.

(BMcN)

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