Ryanair CEO Criticizes U.K. Government for Travel Tax, Calling It 'Useless' and 'Hopeless'

Ryanair's Criticism of U.K. Tax Policy: Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary criticized the U.K. government's plan to raise air passenger duty (APD), arguing it contradicts efforts to stimulate economic growth and could lead airlines to relocate operations abroad.

Impact of APD Increase: O'Leary highlighted that the proposed APD increase would significantly raise costs for consumers, making air travel less affordable for families, and suggested that abolishing APD outside London could boost regional growth.

Government's Fiscal Strategy: The U.K. government's upcoming Autumn Budget is under scrutiny as Finance Minister Rachel Reeves faces challenges in balancing spending, taxation, and borrowing, with APD being a key source of revenue.

Potential Relocation of Ryanair Operations: O'Leary indicated that if the APD is increased, Ryanair may consider moving aircraft to countries with lower environmental taxes, such as Sweden, Hungary, and Italy, to maintain competitiveness.