Ryanair Criticizes New UK Government's APD Increase, Citing Strain on Families and Economy

Ryanair, the leading airline in the UK, has strongly criticized the recent budget move by the Starmer government, announced today (Friday, November 1). The budget decision to raise Air Passenger Duty (APD) on short-haul low-cost flights by £2 per passenger has drawn backlash for its potential impact on everyday British families traveling abroad, either for holidays or to visit friends and relatives. For instance, a family of four planning a budget-friendly vacation to Spain next year will face a £60 tax burden in air travel levies. This comes at a time when government ministers enjoy benefits such as complimentary clothing and concert tickets worth thousands of pounds.

Higher APD on air travel translates to increased costs for accessing the UK, making it a less attractive destination for tourists and investors. The consequence of reduced tourism is clear: fewer flights, elevated fares, and job losses that will be felt most acutely by regional airports and the domestic flight sector, which bears the brunt of APD twice over.

Ryanair has called on the Labour government to demonstrate their commitment to economic growth by eliminating APD and reducing air access costs. According to the airline, such measures would stimulate tourism, spark rapid growth in visitor numbers, and drive job creation, particularly in regional areas.

Ryanair̢۪s Michael O̢۪Leary said:

“As an Island economy on the periphery of Europe, it is vital that the UK lowers air access costs so that low fare Airlines can grow tourism, traffic, visitor numbers and jobs especially in the regions. Instead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week has damaged the UK’s growth prospects and made air travel much more expensive for UK families travelling abroad on holidays, or to visit friends and family.

This Labour Govt promised to deliver growth but instead their first budget has damaged growth, damaged tourism, and damaged air travel to/from the UK. At a time when Ireland, Hungary, Sweden and many regions in Italy have abolished air travel taxes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves idiotic decision to further raise the UK̢۪s already high air travel taxes will deliver cuts, not growth.