Ryanair could cut UK flights by up to 10% after APD increase

Ryanair said on Friday that it could cut up to 10% of its scheduled flights to and from UK airports next year, as it criticised the government’s decision to increase the tax on airline tickets in the Budget.

On Wednesday, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in Labour’s first Budget in 14 years that the government would be increasing Air Passenger Duty by up to £2 for an economy class short-haul flight and by 50% for flights on private jets.

Ryanair condemned the decision on Friday, saying it would "further burden" ordinary UK families travelling abroad on holidays or to visit friends and families.

It said a family of four flying to Spain on a low-cost holiday next year will pay £60 in air travel taxes "to a government whose Minister receives £1000s in free clothes and concert tickets".

"This anti-growth tax hike will damage UK tourism, jobs and economic growth, especially the UK regions, with regional airports being particularly damaged by this tax on ordinary families," it added.

The budget airline said the potential cut of up to 10% of flights to and from the UK will reduce air travel by up to 5 million passengers "as the Labour government’s budget delivers higher taxes and tourism declines not growth".