Good news for holidaymakers as British pockets are 'protected' despite new 'flight tax'
The Moggologue on net zero
GB NEWS
Government ministers have identified that new sustainable aviation fuel rules could increase flight prices by more than 20 per cent.
However, holidaymakers will not have to worry about soaring costs, as the green fuel mandate will be continually reviewed to prevent significant price increases.
An impact assessment drawn up by ministers has revealed the extent of potential price rises.
Under the new rules, airlines are required to use a minimum of two per cent sustainable aviation fuel in their planes.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg criticised the rules as 'more green madness'
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This requirement is set to increase gradually, reaching 10 per cent and eventually 22 per cent by 2040.
The sustainable aviation fuel mandate involves using fuel derived from cooking oil and animal waste alongside traditional jet fuel, as part of the Government's drive towards net zero emissions.
The policy follows a recent 15 per cent rise in air passenger duty announced in the budget, which could add hundreds to some family holidays.
According to the Government's impact assessment, the policy could add £302.40 to return plane tickets for a family of four by 2040 in a worst-case scenario.
The assessment indicates that up to 80 per cent of the airline levy costs could be passed on to consumers.
However, a more optimistic projection in the same document suggests the increase could be as low as £9.40 by 2040, depending on the availability of sustainable fuel.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We want to give people the freedom to travel in a more sustainable way while protecting them from high ticket costs, and it is estimated that the move to greener fuels will add less than £4 to ticket prices."
They added that the pledge to use more sustainable aviation fuel would "support thousands of jobs, bring down our transport emissions, and make the UK a clean energy superpower".
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Scrapping the policy may see cheaper trips for British families
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However, the mandate has received criticism from some. Lord Mackinlay, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, told the Sunday Telegraph that British people should "holiday while you can", describing the policy as "fantasy land".
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg criticised the rules as a "flight tax", calling the scheme "more green madness".
A Government source defended the policy, stating: "Encouraging use of greener aviation fuels is a real opportunity to establish Britain as a world leader in a pioneering industry that could create thousands of well-paid jobs," The Times reported.
The source added the policy would "protect the pound in holidaymakers' pockets" while enabling more sustainable travel.
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