A year-old commitment to reform air passenger duty to make it a more effective tool in tackling greenhouse gas emissions was abandoned by the government on Monday, with rates set to rise.

Flights hit by the highest tax rates include those to Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile. APD rates in economy class to such countries will jump from £40 per passenger to £55 from November 2009 and to £85 from November 2010. Rates in business class will rise from £80 to £110 and then to £170.