Heathrow Airport management is calling on the UK Government to cut air taxation following the recent example set by the beleaguered Irish Government, which has cut its tax by a whopping 70% to encourage tourism.

Heathrow Airport’s Policy Director Nigel Milton says the aviation levy in the UK must be reviewed and the government should follow the Irish Government, which recently cut its tax from €10 to €3 ($14.41 to $4.32) from March 1.

Tourism bodies have pointed out repeatedly that the UK’s taxes, which were introduced last November, make Britain a far less attractive and more expensive destination than France or other European countries and cities.

Milton said: “The Irish recognise that aviation is fundamental to their recovery and this is very much something ministers in the UK need to take note of. We must stop treating air travel as if it’s a luxury we can do without and appreciate the very real contribution it makes to the economy.

“The government needs to ensure we are not making ourselves uncompetitive with punitive tax measures that will damage us in the long-term.”