Travelers in the UK, will soon be facing an increase in airport tax by up to 55%. The Air Passenger Duty (APD) rise has caused outcry among the airlines, most of which feel the increase is unfair. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has condemned the airport tax increase. Virgin Atlantic, warned that the rise will make family holidays ‘unaffordable for many’. Their fears were also backed up by British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh, who branded the APD rise a ‘disgrace’.
“The timing of the airport tax rise could not have come at a worse time for many families who are looking to visit relatives or get away this Christmas”, confirmed a UK specialist.
Individuals looking to purchase a last-minute Christmas holiday or book a dream holiday for the New Year will see an increase for all flights out of UK airports. The airport tax, initially developed in hopes of cutting carbon emissions by discouraging people from flying, has instead turned into a cash cow for the government with revenue from the APD is set to rise from £2.3billion to £3.8billion by 2015.