Travel via LHR to be more expensive: thanks to Ryanair

[ExXB]

An European court ruling (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/25/us-eu-courts-ryanair-idUSKCN0J914Y20141125?rpc=401) setting aside part of an EC decision may mean that international transfers at airports such as Heathrow will require APD to be paid. (UK APD is currently waived for international-to-international connecting passengers.

Not necessarily will be the result, but the Commission will be required to open a formal investigation, to determine if waiving taxes for transit passengers can be considered illegal state aid.

The Irish tax that raised this complaint, was cancelled in April 2014.

[Torque Tonight]

If it wasn't for Ryanair, Easy etc, you'd probably still be paying £500 to fly shorthaul in a knackered 25 year old jet, but at least you'd get a free bag of peanuts thrown in.

[DaveReidUK]

Not necessarily will be the resultMake up your mind. It will be, or it may be?

[ExXB]

The Commission will open a formal investigation, this ruling pretty well compels them to.

The will need to decide if, under European law, the waiving of taxes for transit passengers is 'illegal state aid'.

No doubt every network airline in Europe, (unless their country doesn't assess a tax) will argue it is not.

Who knows what governments will do. Some may think, oh even more money for me, not understanding that it really means less connecting traffic (or lower revenues for hub airlines).

Watch this space.

[rogerg]

If it wasn't for Ryanair, Easy etc, you'd probably still be paying £500 to fly shorthaul in a knackered 25 year old jet, but at least you'd get a free bag of peanuts thrown in.
Ah, but the drinks were "free" and a hot meal was included.
Ex 1-11 driver!

[bvcu]

plenty of people paying to fly longhaul out of LHR on 25 year old jets..........

[Heathrow Harry]

they're the lucky ones TBH - there are some dreadfully old crates around at some of the so-called prestigious airlines................