The Scottish Nationalists have said that they will reduce the tax on airline travel following the pressure to cut the Air Passenger Duty. Despite scepticism from the UK transport secretary, the Scottish Nationalists have declared the statement.
As per the current rule, every economy-class passenger over 15 pays £13 for a short-haul flight and £73 for a long-haul flight originating in the UK. The long-haul rate is to increase by £2 next April. APD levels are doubled for premium economy, business and first class. The SNP promised in its 2015 manifesto that there would be a reduction of 50 per cent along with longer term plans to abolish APD completely. This was done in order to encourage more direct flights to and from Scotland. However, Chris Grayling, the transport secretary said in Airport Operators Association annual conference that there is doubt whether the Scots will do this. Drew Hendry MP, the SNP Westminster group leader however, said that the cut would take effect in April 2018. Airports in northern England, especially Newcastle, are concerned that passengers would be tempted north of the border to benefit from the lower rate of tax.
But the managing director of Butlin’s has called the prospect of lower APD to help poorer families “ridiculous”.
