Gareth Williams, CEO of leading flight comparison site Skyscanner, commented on ABTA’s warning about air passenger duty increases:

“Both APD and per plane levy schemes are classified by the government as a green levy to discourage long haul flights,  APD taxation specifically  by putting a financial burden on passengers.

“As these taxes are never specifically ring fenced for investment in environmental or carbon offsetting initiatives, it could be perceived that they are simply a revenue generating device.

“Airlines are already struggling to deal with record fuel prices, strikes and the recent set back presented by the volcano. By raising the cost of flying aircraft to and from the United Kingdom, the government may risk threatening the health of the airline industry.

“If the tax changes to a per plane levy go ahead, ultimately the airlines will still need to manage this cost so it will still inadvertently be passed on to passengers.”