Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has accused Rachel Reeves of “monumental stupidity” in a furious aattack against the Chancellor. The budget airline boss was questioned on what he thought of Reeves’ above-inflation hike on Air Passenger Duty (APD).

Speaking on Sky News he said: “It’s another moment of monumental stupidity by Rachel Reeves.” Calling APD “the most agressive tax there is Mr O’Leary slammed Reeves for hiking taxes when she “she got elected on the admission to deliver growth”. APD is increasing today, it will rise again on the same date in 2027.

He continued: “Sweden, Slovakia, Albania and regional Italy have abolished aviation taxes all together but Rachel Reeves is increasing them and I think it plays to the same reality that unfortunately Rachel Reeves talks about growth but hasn’t a clue how to deliver it.”

Mr O’Leary questioned why the Chancellor had not scrapped APD at regional airports, pointing out that they are required to pay the same level of duty as major London hubs.

Further blasting her decision he said:”Every move she makes damages economic growth and damages the UK’s recovery. The UK is in a recession, it isn’t growing and its the Chancellor who stumbles from policy misteps.”

APD is a tax paid by airline operators to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for passengers departing from UK airports, with the rates varying depending on the length of flights and the class of travel.

It applies to passengers aged 16 or over travelling on both domestic and international flights and was first introduced in 1994 to offset the environmental impact of air travel.

Although airlines are responsible for paying APD, the cost is usually built into ticket prices. Carriers then pass the charge on to HM Revenue and Customs, meaning any increase in APD typically results in higher air fares for UK travellers.