The government has issued notice of a rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD) from next April despite industry calls for a 12-month ‘holiday’ from the tax.
The lowest rates of APD on short-haul economy flights will remain at the current rate of £13 from April 2021 and the rate on premium class at £26.
But economy medium-hail and long-haul flights will carry an additional £2 per passenger in APD taking the charge on a fare to £82.
APD on medium and long-haul seats in premium classes will increase by £4 to £180.
There is no indication from the government that it will revise APD on domestic flights in line with UK aviation demands to levy the charge just one way rather than on both legs of a return journey.
Abta, Airlines UK which represents British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and other carriers, and the Airport Operators Association (AOA) have called repeatedly for a temporary suspension of APD to stimulate an air travel recovery.
Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of a Job support Scheme last week, Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “We believe the Chancellor should consider an APD cut ahead of next summer to incentivise people to book their holidays in 2021.”
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade warned of “a brutal winter season” and said: “The Government should bring forward a targeted package of support measures [including] a 12-month APD waiver to ensure our industry can play a vital role in the economic recovery.”
