ISLAMABAD: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has penned a letter to Pakistan’s federal finance minister expressing deep concern over a recent hike in taxes on international air tickets. The letter demands an immediate withdrawal of the decision, citing that the recent budget unexpectedly raised the tax by up to 150 percent.
According to IATA, this abrupt tax increase will likely diminish travel and tourism to Pakistan significantly. The association emphasized the necessity of consulting all stakeholders well in advance before implementing such tax adjustments.
IATA stressed that the sudden tax rise violates international civil aviation regulations and warned that it would adversely impact travel agents’ and airlines’ operations in the region.
In conclusion, IATA urged the Pakistani government to reconsider and reverse the decision promptly to avoid detrimental effects on the aviation industry and tourism sector.
