THE first of two planned increases in airport departure taxes will take effect from tomorrow, leading to the price of the most expensive longdistance tickets eventually rising by as much as GBP90.

Air Passenger Duty will increase by GBP1 for short-haul flights with a gradation of bands up to GBP15 for flights of more than 6000 miles, with a further hike scheduled for November 2010.

The increase will particularly hit long-haul passengers travelling in business and first-class cabins, and was condemned by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and by UK travel organisation Abta.

However, budget airlines are also expected to take a heavy hit from the rise in short-haul APD as it represents a bigger proportion of the ticket cost. Ryanair has conducted a longstanding campaign against the tax.

BA said the effect of the two increases would mean a family of four flying to Australia after November 1 next year would pay GBP340 in tax.

Tomorrow's increase will see APD for short-haul flights of less than 2000 miles in economy-class seats rising from GBP10 to GBP11, while for journeys of between 2001 miles and 4000 miles the APD will increase from GBP40 to GBP45 for economy class passengers and from GBP80 to GBP90 for travellers in premium seats (business class and first class).