APD rise brings share of longhaul traffic to ferry operators
Ferry operators are expecting the rise in air passenger duty (APD) to bring them a welcome boost in traffic this summer, and not just from UK holidaymakers wanting to avoid the tax.
Stena Line is expecting the number of passengers from India on its twice daily services from Harwich to the Hook of Holland to double. Last year 10,000 Indians used the service to avoid paying APD in the UK and Stena is expecting 20,000 this year.
India is in APD band C which means the tax doubled at the end of 2010 to £100 for economy tickets and £150 for premium passengers, prompting Indians travelling around Europe to avoid flying back home from the UK.
Lars Olsson, Stena Line general manager Lars Olsson said: “Whilst I am not condoning the hike in APD there has definitely been a huge upturn in traffic for Stena Line, particularly from the Indian market, who are ensuring they create …an itinerary that means they do not have to fly back from the UK.”
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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