A fair tax on flying? You decide!
20th June 2012
British travellers are being urged to contact their local MPs in a bid to control rocketing Air Passenger Duty (APD) taxes
Described by members of the travel industry as a 'punishment' on those wanting a holiday, the APD tax has been met with fierce opposition since it was instated in 1994. Now airlines, airports, tour operators and trade associations have joined and launched the Fair Tax on Flying campaign.
Campaigners are calling for travellers and holidaymakers across the UK to write to their local MP to voice their concerns. According to ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), two thirds of consumers think that aviation tax is too high.
Those within the travel and tourism industries fear the negative effects APD could have on both the industry and economy. This is reinforced in the template email British travellers can send to their MPs, which states: “Many other European countries, including Holland, Denmark and Belgium, have scrapped their APD because of the impact it was having on families and the wider economy.
"I ask that you write to the Chancellor to request that the Treasury undertakes research to determine the impact of APD on UK holidaymakers, employment and economic growth.”
The recent 8% hike in APD this April has forced the cost of flights and travel up further. Currently, the additional cost for a family of four visiting a long-haul destination such as Argentina or Australia is £368.
The Chief Executive of ABTA, a member of the Fair Tax on Flying campaign, said: "The industry is willing to pay its way, but a 26-fold increase since 1994 puts the UK at a competitive disadvantage when compared with our European neighbours and punishes UK holidaymakers and business travellers unfairly.
"Air passenger numbers have decreased by 22% since 2007 when the tax was last increased, and increasing it yet further will cause significant strain on hard-pressed family budgets and hamper the UK economy’s growth.”
Estimates reveal £2.2 billion will be raised by APD this year. The UK Government has stated it wants to raise a further £1.4 billion by 2015.
More like this
5 ways to reduce your APD | Inspire me... More
Should a fat tax be instated for overweight passengers? | News... More
UK budget 2012: Air Passenger Duty to rise once again | News... More
Airlines call to scrap Air Passenger Duty | News... More
Air Passenger Duty increase sees drop in long-haul holidays | News... More