Book an economy flight to Europe and the air fare maybe £9.99 and “taxes” £90.

But the actual government tax is just £12 and it is airline charges, airline “fuel surcharges”, fees and airport charges that make up the difference.

So don’t blame the government entirely!

Here are the actual government tax amounts:

Trip distance        Economy Class Tax    Business Class Tax 

0        - 2000 miles      £12             £24
2001 -     4000 miles      £60             £120
4001 -     6000 MILES      £75             £150
6000+                      £85             £170

 
2,000 mile limit: North Africa, Turkey and Russia
4,000 mile limit: East Coast USA, Gabon, Middle East, Russia East of Urals
6,000 mile limit: West Coast USA, South Africa, Thailand, but not Singapore, Beijing
6,000+: Australia, New Zealand,

See my article on how to avoid airport tax