Ryanair has cut back the number of flights on its route to Newquay in southwest England after Cornwall county council imposed a £5 departure tax.
Ryanair said it was withdrawing 12 flights a week between Newquay and Stansted airport. It said Cornwall County Council's decision to impose the £5 tax was "ridiculous" and that 100,000 fewer passengers a year would now fly on the route with only a daily service now operating.
Ryanair deputy chief executive Michael Cawley said today: "We have always made it very clear to Cornwall County Council that their airport and region is part of a competitive price-sensitive market that must compete with 84 other low fare destinations from Stansted.
Mr Cawley claimed that the tax would result in increased revenue of £250,000 for the council at the expense of reduced income for the region from tourist spending of £10.5 million.
Ryanair threatened it might make further cutbacks if the tax persists.