Ryanair slams UK travel tax rise and claims passenger protections already in place

Based on · First reported 2 Oct 2026

Ryanair accused the British government of a "political turnaround" after it announced new consumer‑protection measures for aviation, saying the changes do not add benefits for passengers.
The airline noted that British carriers already let children under 12 sit with parents at no extra charge and that passengers can correct minor booking errors within 24 hours without cost, while warning that the Air Passenger Duty will rise to £15 per passenger by 2026, amounting to £60 for a family of four.

Why it matters

The higher APD levy will increase travel costs for families and could affect airlines' pricing strategies and demand.