Holiday rentals news - Air passenger duty to increase on Sunday

Air passenger duty to increase on Sunday

Air passenger duty (APD) is set to rise on Sunday. The weekend's change is the first of two increases being phased in.

The increase is "part of plan to phase in new, higher tax rates," writes The Sunday Times. Passengers will really notice the difference next November, when APD is due to rise for a second time.

From November this year, APD will be levied in four bands. The most significant increase will be seen on flights of more than 6,000 miles (Band D), for example to Australia and New Zealand. APD on such journeys currently stands at £40. From Sunday this will rise to £60.

Band C, covering flights of up to 6,000 miles will command £50 APD, an increase of £10. This will include destinations such as India.

Holidaymakers buying flights to New York apartments and other destinations up to 4,000 miles away - Band B - will have to pay £45 APD (an increase of £5). Passengers travelling within Europe will notice the smallest change. APD is currently £10 for such journeys, to increase to £11.

There have been calls for the government to scrap the APD increases. Many leading airlines have expressed concerns at the changes, fearing they will damage the aviation industry and penalise travellers.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 for holiday homes worldwide.

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