Major airlines warn Rachel Reeves against tax hikes in Budget

MSN / Daily Express
James Knuckey
03 November 2025

Two major airline companies have warned the Chancellor against raising taxes on the sector in the upcoming Budget*. Senior officials from Ryanair and Wizz Air are warning increases will lead to carriers moving planes out of Britain as they brace for a further increase to Air Passenger Duty (APD).

The UK already has the highest APD in the world, with the tax following a band structure with rates varying depending on destination and class of travel. Airlines must pay for the duty which is reportedly at record high levels. Rachel Reeves is expected to raise taxes and cut spending in her Budget on November 26 as she looks to fill a black hole in public finances estimated to be between £20 billion and £50 billion.

Major airlines warn Rachel Reeves against tax hikes in Budget - MSN/Daily Express - 03 Nov 2025

*The government has announced that the next Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.