Flybe urges govt to freeze flight tax

Flybe has called on the British government to follow the lead of The Netherlands and change its policy on air passenger duty (APD).

The Dutch government announced that it was scrapping the tax on flights this week after the country's airports began losing passengers to cheaper flight hubs in Germany and Belgium.

Flybe admitted it is unlikely that APD will be abolished in the UK but appealed to chancellor of the exchequer Alastair Darling to reconsider this year's planned increase in the tax.

Mike Rutter, the airline's chief commercial officer, said: "Flybe is not innocent enough to think that the UK government will follow the Dutch lead and abolish APD but we certainly think there is a case for them to put on ice the planned November rise in APD.

"Such a move would be a tangible stimulus to the British economy and send out a very clear message that the government cares about industries other than just the banking sector."

EasyJet welcomed the abolition of flight tax in The Netherlands this week, saying that the Dutch government has "done the right thing" to ensure the future of the country's aviation industry.

However, the airline pointed out that Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the second most expensive hub in Europe - pricier than Paris, Frankfurt and Zurich - and must lower its costs to remain competitive.

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