Scottish Airport bosses have united in calling for the Chancellor to rethink a planned hike in Air Passenger Duty (APD) and give Scottish operators “a fighting chance” to compete against European rivals.



Local SNP MSP Derek Mackay is backing the operators and hopes that the UK Government will devolve APD to the Scottish Parliament – as recommended by the Calman Commission.

APD powers have already been devolved to Northern Ireland which, last November, benefited from a cut in APD by the Treasury.

Mr Mackay, who represents Glasgow airport, commented:

“Scotland deserves equality of treatment from the Treasury. The Chancellor must not ignore this warning from Scotland’s airport operators, who are underlining the impact soaring APD levels are having on the sector and the wider economy.

“People in Scotland should not be treated like second class passengers by the UK Government and it must therefore step back from a Budget air raid which would hit Scottish passengers and services.

“Air Passenger Duty should be devolved, as it has been for Northern Ireland, so that we can incentivise airlines to provide new direct international routes, providing Scotland's passengers with enhanced options as they go about their business more freely and more effectively.  It would also provide a substantial boost to the Scottish economy and create jobs.

“Devolution of air passenger duty was one of the Calman Commission’s recommendations so people will be asking why it cannot be devolved now?

“With Scotland relying on air transport for domestic travel and with six million people flying between Scotland and London each year, there is overwhelming evidence for the devolution of APD.

“All four of Scotland’s largest airports back the call and Transport Scotland have said that there is no good reason why passengers in Scotland should have to continue to travel in such numbers through other UK airports or not benefit from levels of connectivity enjoyed in other parts of the UK.

“This is a test for the UK Government in terms of the Prime Minister’s offer of more powers. They should allow Scotland to have control over flight taxes, just like Northern Ireland.”