UK government confirms APD devolution to Scotland

THE BRITISH government has confirmed that Air Passenger Duty (APD) will be devolved to Scotland, prompting speculation that the tax will be reduced or even abolished north of the border. But the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and the Airport Operators Association have asked for consistency across the UK.

ABTA’s chief executive Mark Tanzer warned that a different APD rate, or abolition, in Scotland it could hinder airports in the north of England where passengers would still have to pay the charge.

‘Future reductions in APD planned by the Scottish government will be good news for passengers flying from Scotland and for Scottish airports and travel businesses; but this will come at a cost to the competitiveness of regional airports in the north of England, and to consumers elsewhere in the country who will be paying some of the highest flight taxes anywhere in the world,’ said Tanzer.

‘ABTA is calling for the UK government to ensure that rates of APD are consistent and competitive across the UK. A cut in one part of the UK is unacceptable and the most competitive rate should be matched for the benefit of the whole of UK plc and all UK consumers.’

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