- ABTA urges reform of air passenger duty in budget submission
- Calls for APD rate freeze for rest of parliamentary term
- Seeks complete exemption for children from APD
- Requests targeted business rates relief for high street agents
- Supports domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry
ABTA has urged the Westminster government to reform air passenger duty in its budget submission and provide stronger support for high street travel agents. The call follows ongoing industry pressures including recent air traffic control disruption. The trade body seeks measures to boost competitiveness and protect consumer access to expert advice. ABTA has urged the Treasury to freeze Air Passenger Duty rates for the rest of the parliamentary term ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget.
Key asks include freezing rates to stop further inflation-busting increases to APD for the rest of the Parliament, exempting all children completely from APD regardless of their travel cabin class, and changing how Premium Economy passengers are taxed under APD to avoid higher rate penalties. Wider budget policy requests include working with European partners to set up an England-EU Youth Experience Scheme and ease school travel barriers, providing targeted business rates relief for high street travel agencies, and supporting the domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry while staying globally competitive.
The submission reflects ongoing industry pressures including recent air traffic control disruption. ABTA seeks measures to boost competitiveness and protect consumer access to expert advice. The Autumn Budget is expected later this year.
