Abta: Rationing flight would penalise the UK

Proposals to ration flights would "penalise all sections of the community", it has been claimed.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the Travel Association, explained Lord Turner's recent plans - to limit the number of trips taken by aircraft to cut down greenhouse emissions – would "impede our liberties" and damage an already suffering economy.

He continued the half a million pensioners living in Spain would be negatively impacted, as would the ethnic minority communities in Britain.

These demographics value affordable flights so they can visit loved ones and maintain cultural links, Mr Tanzar stated.

"Flying is no longer the sole preserve of the upper and middle classes," he said. "A significant proportion of those travelling by air from the UK are visiting friends and family abroad."

Expats who have bought a holiday home using an international money transfer system may find they too are affected if the plans are passed.

According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, Lord Turner is also investigating whether the air industry can reduce emissions to the same level they were in 2005 by 2050.