International Air Ticket Tax Hike Sparks Industry Backlash IATA Calls for Reversal

International Air Ticket Tax Hike Sparks Industry Backlash IATA Calls for Reversal

The federal government jacked up the FED on the international flights in the budget 2024-25. According to the notification, the FED on economy and economy plus tickets has risen by 150 percent.

In a letter to Pakistan’s finance ministry, the IATA has demanded to immediately roll back the imposition of 150pc tax on international air tickets.

The body stated that increasing tax on the tickets without taking stakeholders into confidence is against the rules and regulations of international civil aviation.

Tax increase affects the business of airlines and the agents, the IATA further said in its letter. The government of Pakistan has been urged to revoke the decision of a massive tax on air tickets.

On July 6, the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) declared the recent increase in taxes on air tickets as illegal, stating that the sharp rise has plunged the industry into a severe crisis.

PIA other airlines notify increase in FED on flights

During a press conference held at their office, former chairman and member of the executive committee Nadeem Sharif emphasized that the industry could face destruction due to these measures.

APJC Chairman Muhammad Hanif Ranch criticized the government’s actions over the past five days, asserting that they have violated existing laws. He labeled the tax increases as arbitrary and detrimental to the travel and tourism sector.