UK Prime Minister Raises Taxes on Commercial Flights But Not on Private Aircraft

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has faced criticism for increasing the Air Passenger Duty (APD) on domestic flights within the UK but not on private jets and helicopters. The rise in taxes will impact travelers in different classes, with economy class passengers seeing an increase from £6.50 to £7. The government had previously cut the tax for domestic flights, but now it has been reinstated.

In addition to the tax hike on commercial flights, a new category of taxes has been introduced for ultra-long haul flights, further impacting travelers. Despite protests from the struggling aviation sector, private aircraft and helicopters will not face a tax increase and will continue to pay the current APD of £78.

Rishi Sunak, who has been criticized for his use of private jets for domestic travel, has flown more frequently on private aircraft compared to previous UK prime ministers. The controversial decision to raise taxes on commercial flights but not on private aircraft has sparked debate about fairness and environmental impact.