‘Rise in duty could scare off airlines’

SCOTLAND is struggling to win new air routes and more flights because of an impending increase in air passenger duty, the country’s three busiest airports have warned the Chancellor ahead of Wednesday’s Budget.

The managing directors of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have urged George Osborne to reconsider an expected 10 per cent increase in the departure tax from UK airports “to give our airlines and airports a fighting chance” to compete against European rivals.

In a similar move, the Scottish Passenger Agents Association, which represents travel agents, told the Chancellor the tax was “particularly iniquitous in its effect on Scottish aviation and on Scottish businesses”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The tax is due to increase by £1 to £13 for UK flights and by £7 to £92 for the longest trips.

The heads of the BAA-owned airports wrote: “In Scotland, we have particular concerns about our future ability to attract new airlines.

“There is a risk that airlines looking to serve new markets will choose other European countries at the expense of Scotland. This in turn will have a significant impact on employment, business competitiveness and inbound tourism.”