Travellers urged to protect themselves as popular flight routes scrapped

With flights cancelled and major routes being axed due to aviation tax hikes, Brits planning their summer holidays are being warned to ensure they’re protected from any unexpected disruptions.

Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk are urging travellers to book their insurance as soon as they book their holiday to ensure they have pre-departure cover for cancellations and travel changes.

Several European governments have made the move to increase their aviation taxes to discourage unnecessary air travel and help pay for the environmental costs of flying. 

Among the countries that will be seeing routes axed and flights reduced ahead of the Easter and summer holidays are popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark and Austria.

Depending on the length of the flight, aviation tax in Denmark in 2025 ranges from 30 DKK (£3.35) to 300 DKK (£33.35) per passenger, however it will continue increasing in the next five years with taxes ranging from 50 DKK (£5.56) to 410 DKK (£45.58) by 2030.*

In Italy, routes have been cut due to a €6.50 (£5.39)** municipal tax per passenger. In Austria, the reduction is driven by a €12 (£9.95) passenger tax***, while in Spain, an average airport charge of €10.35 (£8.59)**** has contributed to route cancellations.

Belgium and France have also announced plans to hike their aviation taxes, which could potentially impact routes to these countries as well.

The aviation taxes can either be paid by airlines or passed on to passengers, which makes it tricky for budget airlines who want to keep their ticket prices low but can’t necessarily afford the extra costs per passenger.

With the uncertainty surrounding flights ahead of the peak travel season, Tiger.co.uk is highlighting the importance of safeguarding holiday plans.

Holidaymakers are urged to secure travel insurance immediately after booking their trip, whether it’s single trip insurance or annual holiday cover, as they both normally provide cancellation cover from the moment the policy comes into effect.

Most single-trip policies can be purchased up to a year in advance, while multi-trip insurance can be bought up to one month before your chosen start date.

It’s important to remember that the types of flight cancellations covered can vary between different policies, so it’s crucial to review the terms and conditions.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and travel insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “The travel industry is under pressure amid the recent aviation tax increases, creating a challenge for budget airlines who have had to reassess their flight schedules and make cuts on certain routes.

“Travellers will likely need to be flexible with their plans and consider alternative routes or destinations if their preferred options become too expensive or unavailable.

“It’s also crucial for holidaymakers not to delay purchasing travel insurance, or risk losing protection for unexpected issues in the build up to departure. 

“To ensure travellers can avail of cancellation benefits, it’s important to buy travel insurance on the day they book the holiday, so the money spent on the trip is safeguarded during these unpredictable times.

“While airlines are required to offer a refund or an alternative flight in case of a cancellation, if the airline doesn’t book another flight within 24 hours, travelers could claim for the cancellation through their travel insurance.

“Most standard travel insurance policies include cancellation coverage, but if the coverage isn’t sufficient, you can purchase it separately.  Frequent fliers might also want to add travel disruption to their policy, covering a range of additional issues that can affect the journey.

“Travel insurance could also help compensate travellers for other items associated with the flight cancellation, such as a hired car, kennel costs, any additional experiences and accommodation – holidaymakers need to review the details of their policy and add on as needed as these extras don’t always come as standard.”

Quotezone.co.uk can help holidaymakers compare travel insurance and find savings on annual travel insurance, travel insurance for families and even those who need travel insurance for pre-existing conditions. 

References:

*https://skat.dk/en-us/businesses/taxes-and-duties-on-goods-and-services/passenger-tax-on-airline-travel

**https://www.avionews.it/item/1262062-ryanair-calls-for-abolition-of-municipal-surcharge-in-italy.html

***https://www.fccaviation.com/regulation/austria/air-transport-levy

****https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/ryanair-aena-spar-over-spanish-airport-charges

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.