Ryanair Plans 10% Flight Cut from UK

Ryanair plans to cut its flight capacity to and from UK airports by 10% next year, following Labour's decision to raise air passenger duty (APD) by 15% in the autumn budget. Chief Executive Michael O'Leary criticized the increase, which will add up to £2 for short-haul economy tickets, saying it harms UK growth prospects and makes air travel more expensive for families. He argued that this tax hike will result in up to five million fewer passengers and damage tourism to and from the UK, making it less competitive against countries like Ireland and Sweden that are reducing travel taxes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the increase, stating that APD had not kept pace with inflation in recent years. O'Leary's comments highlight concerns over the impact of increased travel costs on ordinary families and the overall UK economy.