EasyJet commissioned report states that the UK government’s plan to increase APD will lead to an economic slowdown for the country and increased levels of harmful pollutants. The budget airline favours per-plane tax rather than a per-person duty.

As per an independent report that was commissioned by the low-cost airline EasyJet, increasing the Air Passenger Duty (APD) would have a ‘destructive’ effect on the economy, the environment and jobs.

The report that was published on the airline’s website yesterday said that the changes in APD would result in reduction of UK passenger numbers by three million a year, augmentation of CO2 emissions by 360,000 tonnes a year and diminishing of tourist spending in the UK by £475 million a year.

EasyJet fears the increase could persuade many Britons to cancel holiday travels, especially short, weekend breaks. The airline believes that those budget travellers who look for cheap tickets on flights will perhaps be put off by this increased APD.

The government intends to increase the APD from £12 to (up to) £16 per passenger for flights up to 2000 miles and decrease the rates and number of tax bands on long haul flights. The report says that even though the tax variation would trim down the total number of flights they would eventually end up increasing CO2 emissions by encouraging more people to buy long haul flight tickets and thus making them popular.

EasyJet, a carrier known to offer tickets on cheap flights, favours a per-plane tax as against the move to charge per-passenger tax. Incidentally, the alternative favoured by the budget airline was considered by the coalition Government at one point.

EasyJet CEO, Carolyn McCall urged the Government to think again on aviation taxation, “This independent report shows that the Government’s proposals on APD would be bad for the environment and the economy. APD has already risen by 140% since 2007 on short haul flights. This report provides convincing evidence that the Government should not impose further increases in APD on short haul flights and should rethink its policy on aviation taxation.

“easyJet is in favour of a move to a per plane tax. Four out of five British passengers would be better off under such a tax and, more importantly, it would encourage the industry to fly more efficiently,” Carolyn McCall was quoted as saying by different media reports.

The report states that the changes would also result in the shrinking of the UK gross domestic product by £2.6 billion every year, which could lead to the loss of up to 77,000 jobs and affect regional airports much more than London airports.

Virgin Atlantic ‘Share Concerns’

Virgin Atlantic also issued a statement in regards to the findings of the report. A Virgin Atlantic’s spokesperson said, “We share concerns about the impact of further increases on APD on family holidays, British business, and tourism alike.

“In Britain we already have the highest flight tax in Europe, with a family of four travelling to Florida paying £240 in APD alone.

“However, if the Government is determined that increases are necessary, then these should be apportioned fairly. Historically the percentage increase in this tax has been much higher for long haul flights than it has for short haul flights where alternative forms of travel often exist. This is illogical for a tax that is claimed to be an environmental one.

“Currently passengers within the EU account for 78% of all flights, but just 41% of APD revenues, and we hope that the Government will look to address this in its current review,” the airline’s spokesperson continued.

Southall Travel
CustomerSupport

Call Southall Travel for the best deals

Phone 0208 843 4444

WHY OUR CUSTOMERS LOVE US?

Offering dependable travel solutions from the UK to the world over since 1984, we've gained the trust of a loyal customer base. Our customers know they can rely on us to offer the best prices and to provide impartial, expert advice on finding travel solutions to match their interests, time and budget.

  • Exclusive Deals for Hundreds of Destinations
    Exclusive Deals for Hundreds of Destinations
  • 24/7 Expert Assistance
    24/7 Expert
    Assistance
  • Price Match Guarantee*
    Price Match Guarantee*
  • No Fee
    No Fee on Credit & Debit Card
  • ATOL Protected
    ATOL
    Protected
  • Flexible Payment Options
    Flexible Payment Options & Low Deposits
Average Customer Rating star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating 4.7/5 feefologo
Independent Service Rating based on 6,734 verified reviews. Read all reviews
Golden Trust Awards
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Staff was able to solve my travel task quickly with high level knowledge.

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

They got me flights that worked for me

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Nice staff and trying to satisfy the customers to give multiple options so good work

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Am a returning customer. I have always trusted Southhall travel. Great services...

Mr Francisco Macharia Mbugua - Dec 24, 2024

Booking is safe with us! Your holiday is ATOL protected.

  • Certification logo
  • IATA logo
  • Protection Logo

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for latest destination travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including Covid19 travel advice, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

©2025 Southall Travel - All rights reserved

Cross Would you like a free callback in 5 Seconds.
Cross
Need help finding the best airfare or holiday deals?

London Heathrow to Dubai Intl

Economy

from £384*

0208 843 4444

24 hours a day / 7 days a week

"This would take a few moments. Please wait!"

newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Be one of the first to hear about our exclusive offers on flights & holidays, travel inspiration and the latest travel news.

Welcome to Southall Travel

We use cookies to improve your experience on Southall Travel and show personalized content, depending on your settings. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

X Choose your cookie preferences
  • Essential

    Our website can't operate properly without essential cookies. We only collect the minimum personal information needed to provide services on awayholidays.co.uk. You can disable these cookies in your browser but parts of southalltravel.co.uk may not work.

  • Analytics

    We use analytical cookies to measure how you use our website and help improve southalltravel.co.uk.

  • Marketing

    We use marketing cookies to display personalised advertisements on other sites you may visit. We work with approved partners to deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of these advertisements.

  • Functional

    These cookies let us save the choices you make and some of the information you provide when browsing southalltravel.co.uk. They don't track your browsing activity on other websites. Without functional cookies, southalltravel.co.uk may not work reliably.