Increases in APD will hit the poorest communities and ethnic minorities the hardest, according to a new survey.

More than 60 % of those in the lowest social bands and two thirds of ethnic minorities said that the rises which came into force last November will impact on how often they visit their family abroad.

That compared to just over half of the general population (55%), according to the poll by Popular carried out for aviation pressure group FlyingMatters.

Those on the lowest incomes and ethnic minorities were also more likely to be fearful that the tax will affect how often their relatives come to visit them in Britain, said the poll.

The survey also reveals that two thirds of the population are concerned about the impact of further rises in the flight tax after those planned for November this year. This rises to three quarters of ethnic minorities.

A family of four travelling to the furthest destinations will pay £220 in Air Passenger Duty this year, compared to £160 prior to the rise. This will go up to £340 in November this year. This comes on top of the doubling of Air Passenger Duty in February 2007.

FlyingMatters chairman Brian Wilson said: “The increases in flight tax will hit these people hard with poorer families and ethnic minorities suffering most.  It is a deeply regressive tax.

“Many of these people are being taxed out of the right to visit their loved ones.  This is deeply unfair and politically insensitive.”