Duty increase may increase the cost of comfortable air travel in the UK
Due to new taxes and an increase in air passenger duty (APD), the cost of tickets for comfortable classes of transportation may increase significantly. This was announced by Jeremy Hunt, noting that he is making a "one-time adjustment" to "take into account high inflation in recent years."
Thus, the increase in the cost of premium economy, business class and first class tickets may cost 11% more. This was reported by The Telegraph.
According to preliminary estimates, the cost of a long-haul family vacation for four people flying in premium economy, business or first class will increase by £88 by 2026. The government's move was condemned by Airlines UK, the industry organization representing carriers registered in the UK.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said the decision contradicts the Prime Minister's commitment not to discourage travel through taxation. In addition, he added that it "will make the UK even less competitive on the world stage."
"Instead, the government should focus on supporting the industry's transition to breakeven, which the US and EU have committed billions of pounds to, unlike the UK," Alderslade said
Earlier, TravelWise reported that Ryanair predicts an increase in ticket prices in the summer of 2024.
