News

Abta commits to fighting APD despite cut for kids

The abolition of Air Passenger Duty on economy flights for children under 12 from tomorrow (Friday) will cut the cost of family travel.


But Abta said it remained committed to fighting the overall APD tax regime.


The changes from Friday will see a family of four with two children under 12 saving £26 on flights to Europe and £142 on services to long-haul destinations such as the US, Thailand and Australia.


It means children under 12 will no longer have to pay APD on any flights taken from May 1.


Children under 16 will also be exempt from APD from March 2016.


However, youngsters flying in any other class than economy remain chargeable passengers and will continue to have to pay APD.


Most airlines and travel companies have refunded or will refund APD on flights for under-12s that were booked and paid for before the reductions were announced in late year’s Autumn Statement, Abta said.


The cut follows changes to APD earlier in the year with the abolition of the more expensive long-haul APD Bands C and D on April 1.


This leaves just two bands for APD – Band A where destinations are 0-2,000 miles from London and Band B where destinations are over 2,000 miles away.


Band A includes European destinations as well as Turkey, western Russia, Morocco and Tunisia, while Band B is made up of all other destinations that are further afield.


These changes have simplified the APD system and made destinations such as Australia, India and Brazil more accessible to Britons, Abta said.


Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Families flying as part of their holidays this summer will be pleased to see a reduction in their air tax.


“Whilst this is undoubtedly good news for holidaymakers, British travellers still face the highest air taxes on air travel anywhere in Europe and Abta, along with other members of the Fair Tax on Flying campaign, is as committed as ever to making the case against this damaging tax.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.