Rising taxes "are a blow to UK airports"

02/06/2009

Rising airport departure taxes could put Brits off travelling, it has been argued.

According to the British Air Line Pilots' Association (Balpa), over three-quarters of travelling adults would prefer to use European airports to avoid pricey air passenger duty (APD) rates.

The rise comes as many travel hubs in mainland Europe such as Amsterdam have chosen to scrap the APD tax altogether.

Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan commented that the results of the recent poll are worrying.

"[The increases in APD] will hurt British jobs and the staff who are already facing a very difficult time. This is a blow for the UK's economy when it needs a boost," he said.

Mr McAuslan added that, for example, a family of four travelling to Florida in 2011 could pay as much as £240 in taxes.

Elsewhere in airport news, budget carrier easyJet's application to be allowed to hold wedding ceremonies in the air has been rejected.

Luton Borough Council stated that a civil partnership cannot lawfully take place on an aircraft but that it would "consider licensing easyJet's ground facilities" at Luton Airport.