Abta is urging industry professionals to write to their local MPs ahead of the budget in a plea to the chancellor to half Air Passenger Duty (APD) in the government’s upcoming Budget.
The UK’s APD is one of the highest in the world, and the highest in Europe – double that of Germany.
Abta, a founding member of the ‘A Fair Tax on Flying’ campaign, is asking its members, and the wider industry to make the case for cutting the per-passenger tax on airlines by 50%.
A template email has been created for members to send, which highlights the impact APD has on travel routes and costs.
The association highlighted a recent report by Airlines UK which found that more than 65 potential new air links from the UK have been lost as a result of APD – routes that the report says could have been viable without the burden of APD.
The chancellor, Philip Hammond, will deliver the Government’s Budget on Monday October 29.
Abta’s senior public affairs manager Luke Petherbridge said: “This Budget is an opportunity for government to support holidaymakers and businesses travellers, as well as sending a strong message that Britain is open for business by cutting APD.
“We strongly welcome the many steps taken in recent years to reduce the overall burden of APD on UK consumers and businesses – including removing bands C and D, the abolition of child APD, and more recently, the freeze on economy flights across both bands. But we still have one of the highest aviation taxes in the world which is a barrier to new routes and expensive for travellers.
“It’s important MPs understand the negative impact of such a high level of APD. The industry can help make the case by getting behind the Fair Tax on Flying Campaign and contacting MPs.”