Passengers at Manchester Airport are being asked to let the Chancellor of the Exchequer know their feelings on the UK’s air taxes by signing up to the ‘Give us a break’ campaign which launched today and aims to encourage the Government to keep air taxes lower from regional airports.

The ‘Give us a break’ campaign aims to raise awareness among passengers of the cost of air passenger duty (APD) and the effect it is having on the price of their ticket.

Specially designed post-boxes have been installed in Terminals 1 and 2 for passengers to send a pre-written postcard to the Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, encouraging him to consider a lower level of air taxes for airports like Manchester.

In the March Budget, the Treasury invited comments and relevant evidence on the impact of air passenger duty (APD) on the UK’s regional economies and time is almost up for the public to submit their views with the consultation ending on the 17th June.

Jonathan Bailey, External Affairs Director for the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: “This is the last chance for passengers to have their say on the proposed changes that could seriously affect their future holidays and business trips. Many UK travellers are unaware that they pay the highest levels of flight tax in Europe but they have an opportunity to have their say and make their voice heard to Government. We are asking our passengers to show their support and help convince the Government that a regionalised tax system could work in the long term and provide a stronger aviation industry for the UK.”

The final deadline for responses to be submitted is Friday 17th June. Passengers who might not be travelling through the terminals before then can send their comments direct to the Treasury by email to apd@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk