Flight tax rip off: Brits pay 12 times more than Europeans

An angry campaign to cut flight taxes has taken off as it was revealed that British passengers pay twelve times more than other European neighbours.

Airlines and travel companies including British Airways, Tui Travel and Thomas Cook are among the 25 biggest travel operators who are demanding that the chancellor does not increase tax on aviation in the next budget (due on March 23).

Air passenger duty has increased by 2,600 per cent since it was introduced by the government in 1994.

This means that UK passengers now pay 12 times as much for flights to Europe - and for long haul flights, the difference is even bigger. According to figures provided by the travel association ABTA, which is leading the campaign, a family of four flying to Florida would pay £240 in flight tax, and if they fly to Australia they can expect to pay £340. This compares with just £11 for an Irish family or just £15 for the French.

Critics say that the government is cashing in on what was supposed to be an environmental tax.

They are calling on the government to stop raising aviation tax or risk damaging the industry and the economy.

Speaking in the Sun newspaper, BA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: 'The UK airline industry is the most taxed in the world.'

The campaign comes just two days after companies including Thomas Cook and Tui announced the addition of heavy fuel surcharges to all flights as a result of rising oil prices.

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