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A travel expert has issued a warning that holiday costs could soar this week. Easter has long been a favoured period for getaways, as families chase some sunshine together.

However, the US-Israeli strikes on Iran have caused significant disruption to travel across large swathes of the world. Not only is the Middle East a vital transport hub, but the conflict has also sent the price of oil sky-rocketing, leading to inflation and a rise in the cost of aviation fuel.

But in a further setback for those planning to fly, the nation's Air Passenger Duty (APD) is due to increase on April 1. The Office for Budget Responsibility defines APD as a 'duty chargeable per passenger flying from UK airports to domestic and international destinations'.

Unveiled by the Labour Government in 2024, it will add £2 to an economy class short-haul flight, while long-haul flights will see a 13 per cent rate increase, and levies on private jets will leap by nearly 50 per cent. Confused.com travel expert Tom Vaughan said that could mean hikes of anywhere between as little as £8 to over £1,100 per passenger.

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“Any increase in Air Passenger Duty is likely to be felt by holidaygoers, even if it seems small at first glance," he said. "From April, changes to APD will apply across different flight bands, meaning both short-haul and longer journeys could become more expensive.

"Depending on where you’re flying and the class you’re travelling in, the tax can vary significantly. These can range from as little as £8 to over £1,100 per passenger.“

Although this tax is included in the ticket price, it ultimately means travellers will be paying more overall for their trips, regardless of destination. For many households, especially those travelling as a family, these extra costs can quickly add up. A few pounds per ticket might not seem significant, but when combined with rising accommodation, insurance and spending money, it can put additional pressure on holiday budgets.

“If you’re planning to travel this year, it’s worth keeping these increases in mind when budgeting your overall costs and booking early where possible to secure better prices.

"Comparing flights, being flexible with travel dates, and using tools like our airport journey planner can also help cut costs. It helps you find the best way to get to the airport so you can spend less time stressing, and more time getting excited for take-off."