Press Release
Calls to impose higher taxes on air passengers in London and the South East is nonsense
16 June 2011
Calls to impose higher taxes on air passengers in London and the South East is nonsense
16 June 2011
Gatwick Airport today branded calls by regional airports to increase taxes on passengers flying from London airports as utter nonsense.
The regional airports are urging the Government to impose yet another tax on hardworking families living in London and the South East, who are just as hard hit as those living in the regions.
Re-branding the tax as a charge on congestion is disingenuous. Any suggestion that Gatwick is congested is wide of the mark. Last year, Gatwick handled around 32 million passengers but can see a clear path to grow to 40 million by the end of this decade.
The argument that a differential tax system would help boost inbound tourism to the regions also falls foul of logic. The vast majority of international passengers –
leisure and business – visiting the UK simply want to visit London.
To ask them to fly into a remote regional airport and then take a train is simply ludicrous. They may just decide not to come to the UK at all.
We welcome the Government ‘s current consultation on reforming air passenger duty. UK passengers already pay the highest tax on their ticket than anywhere else in Europe. We would urge the regional airports to join with us and take the opportunity to call for a fair tax on flying for all UK passengers.
Media enquiries to:
Gatwick Airport press office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1293 505000
Email: gatwickmedia@gatwickairport.com
