Ryanair's outspoken CEO Michael O'Leary has launched a blistering attack on the UK government, branding them "hopeless" and "useless" over controversial increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) that came into effect this week.
Aviation Boss Fires Broadside at Westminster
In characteristic fiery fashion, the airline chief didn't hold back during a press conference at London Stansted Airport, where he condemned the timing of the tax hike as the travel industry struggles to recover from pandemic losses.
"This government's approach to tourism and aviation is completely misguided," O'Leary stated. "While European competitors are reducing taxes to stimulate travel recovery, our hopeless leaders are doing the exact opposite."
What the APD Increase Means for Travellers
The controversial tax changes mean passengers now face:
- Higher charges on domestic flights within the UK
- Increased costs for short-haul international travel
- Substantial rises for long-haul and premium cabin flights
O'Leary warned that these additional costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers, making holiday travel more expensive for British families already grappling with cost-of-living pressures.
Regional Airports Face 'Existential Threat'
The Ryanair boss expressed particular concern for smaller regional airports, which he claims will bear the brunt of the government's "short-sighted" policy.
"This tax hike isn't just damaging - it's potentially catastrophic for regional connectivity," he emphasised. "We're seeing airports outside London that were only just beginning to recover now facing an existential threat to their survival."
Industry Backlash Grows
O'Leary's comments reflect growing frustration within the aviation sector, with multiple airline executives expressing similar concerns about the UK's competitiveness in the global travel market.
Industry analysts suggest the increased APD could push more travellers to consider European airports for their departures, potentially costing the UK economy millions in lost tourism revenue.
The government maintains that the tax revenue is essential for public services, but critics argue the policy fundamentally misunderstands the economic importance of a thriving aviation sector to the UK's post-Brexit economy.
