Starting Wednesday, UK travellers on short-haul flights to popular European holiday destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy will face a new £32 air passenger duty (APD) charge. This increase forms part of a broader hike in APD rates, which are calculated based on flight distance and cabin class.
Under the Labour government, APD rates have risen to £102 for long-haul flights spanning 2,001 to 5,500 miles, and £106 for ultra long-haul journeys exceeding 5,500 miles.
In contrast, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick has condemned the duty as a “family holiday tax,” pledging to abolish APD on short-haul flights for families travelling with children if Reform UK wins the next election.
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“In our first budget, we will eliminate the family holiday tax,” Jenrick said. “Removing air passenger duty for short-haul family trips will save families on average £45 per flight abroad, and £48 for holidays within the UK. For example, a family flying to Malaga would see a 23% reduction in flight costs.”
Jenrick emphasized the broader scope of the proposal: “This exemption will apply to any adult travelling with those under 18, including parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and even school trips.”
Highlighting political differences, Jenrick criticized the current government, stating: “While Reform UK plans to cut this tax, Rachel Reeves is increasing it on April 1st—April Fool’s Day, fittingly.”
The new £32 APD on short-haul flights represents a significant cost for UK holidaymakers, but Reform UK’s proposed changes aim to ease travel expenses for families planning getaways.