Tax not returned on a cancelled flight?

[alifo]

We booked flights to Dubai (a long time ago!!) through an agent. The flight was cancelled and having finally got hold of the agent, he has told us that Emirates will not refund the tax portion of the flight, which equates to a very 'neat' GBP50 per person.

I've asked the agent to breakdown these taxes in the invoice but they have refused stating that they don't get any breakdown from Emirates. I've repeatedly requested they ask Emirates for a breakdown and they've dodged the question every time.

Does anyone know whether airlines can withold refunding a tax portion of the ticket, as I have never heard of this before? Or is the agent just trying to pull a fast one?

My understanding is that even if you cancelled the flight yourself you would be entitled to a refund of the airline tax portion - even if it's a non-refundable ticket. So if they cancelled the flight you should certainly get it back. Can you contact the airline directly yourself?

Thanks for the advice! I have just called Emirates and they have confirmed that they are refunding the agency in full and no taxes are being deducted. So the travel agent is trying to pull a fast one.....

So cheeky! Name and shame so no-one on here uses them!!

I love a good consumer fight please update us tomorrow on how your conversation with the travel agents goes

I sent them an email and this came back within 5 mins.......

Thank you for the sharing the information regarding Emirates giving an exception to refund the tax amount.

Hence, I will go ahead and request for an approval to get this information updated so that we do not face any challenges to refund the balance amount.

Please note your SAFI and ATOL which is £5 per passenger will still be deducted as they are non refundable compenent of the bookings.Please note refund will reflect in 7-10 working days back to same form of payment.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Virgin tried this on us.
Firstly excuse after excuse as to when our refund was coming. After four months of waiting we filed with the credit card, and it came back £60 each short. Further arguments ensued and finally got it back in December.