British travellers are rushing to book Majorca holidays before Wednesday’s looming budget.
With the autumn budget just around the corner, Brits are booking flights and holidays to avoid the anticipated increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD).
While the specific details of the speech remain unclear, Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously said that “difficult decisions” are necessary to “restore economic stability” in the UK.
An increased APD will punish the pockets of Brits looking to go on a hard-earned holiday.
APD is a tax you pay for each passenger flying from UK airports to any destination, whether in the UK or abroad. The tax varies based on how far you’re flying and what class you’re travelling in – generally, longer flights and first or business-class tickets usually cost more.
The upcoming increase will likely impact long-haul flights and premium classes the most.
According to On the Beach, over a third of Britons (39%) plan to secure their holidays today and Tuesday to avoid the potential tax hike.
The travel retailer is warning that an increase in ADP will be a kick in the teeth to millions of Brits
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, warned: “If ADP is increased, the price of flights will go up, and holidays will be more expensive. That’s a fact.
“A further increase would be a kick in the teeth to millions of Brits whose pockets are set to be punished for going away on holiday for a week.
“We’re expecting millions of Brits to try and beat the increase by booking their summer holidays in the next 48 hours.”
With the hike looming, Ryanair has threatened to reduce its UK flights if (APD) increased, Chief Executive Michael O’Leary has said.
O’Leary argued that higher APD would jeopardise the viability of some UK routes, potentially leading to capacity reductions.
“If they raise APD again on domestic flights, then there will be a cut in capacity, no question. These routes are not particularly profitable, they barely break even”, O’Leary told The Telegraph.