The British Government has doubled it`s departure tax for air travel. What is really angering passengers however is that the tax is retrospective so that bookings made before Feb 1st are still liable for the new tax.

Quote:Increase of UK Airport Departure Tax
by di-ve.com

Tuesday, 30 January, 2007

Air Malta would like to inform its passengers that unlike other airlines operating on the London - Malta route it will absorb the increase of the UK Airport Departure Tax for those passengers who have purchased their ticket before December 6, 2006 and will be travelling on Air Malta schedule services on or after February 1, 2007.

Through this tax absorption, Air Malta passengers will not be required to affect any additional payments prior check-in and thus avoiding any last minute hassles before travelling.

Following the doubling of the UK Government imposed airport departure tax from GBP5 to GBP10, any journey booked from a UK airport for travel after February 1, 2007 will be liable to additional tax. The UK Government is responsible for implementing and collecting Airport Departure tax and this is done through the operating airlines.

On all its UK flights, Air Malta offers an enhanced level of in-flight service including free audio visual programming, the popular in-flight magazine - Skylife; free newspapers and a complementary drink (including wine or beer). Air Malta operates to main European gateways, thus passengers will avoid costly land transportation expenses. Air Malta allows passengers the possibility to pool 20kgs and 30kgs free baggage allowance for economy class and Club Class passengers respectively.

The airline also boasts of a young fleet, which by next year will have an average age of 2.5 years and will be one of the youngest fleets in Europe and throughout the world.

Air Malta Report