Industry fury over UK air tax hike
Threatened chaos at UK airports during a nationwide strike by public sector workers over pension reforms was avoided yesterday after extra staff was drafted in.
UK's major airports including Heathrow and Gatwick were all running smoothly even during peak periods. Some passengers said border controls were "better than usual".
Passengers did have some bad news to digest, however, after the British government increased rates for Air Passenger Duty (APD) from next April, and also confirmed passengers already booked to fly would have to pay the additional tax.
Long haul travellers are hit the hardest. Tax on departures to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and other destinations will rise from £85 to £92.
APD on premium economy and business class fares will be double these rates,
Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Julie Southern led a furious travel industry response to the backdating of the tax.
“It’s completely unacceptable that millions of passengers now face an additional tax bill on tickets they have already paid for.
“People would never be expected to pay extra duty for the petrol already in their cars or wine in their fridge. Why does the Treasury think it acceptable to retrospectively charge airline passengers?” she said.
Ian Jarrett
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