Whiteford Highlights Cost of Air Passenger Duty to Local Economy

Last week’s House of Common debate on Air Passenger Duty highlighted the disadvantages Scotland faces compared to other European Countries. Commenting following the debate, Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford, said:

“Last week’s debate on Air Passenger Duty underlines the disadvantage that Scottish airports face in comparison to other European destinations. APD is significantly higher than in other European countries and, ultimately, this means travelling to Scotland, either for business or for pleasure, is increasingly – and unfairly - more expensive, and it is an issue on which I receive regular correspondence on from constituents.

“According to a recent report by Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports, this disproportionate tax is costing the Scottish economy an estimated £210 million each year. It prevents our airports extend flight routes to and from Scotland and does nothing to attract new airlines, or new businesses, from setting up in Scotland.

“The North-east economy is founded on our excellent business and tourism reputation and it's essential that we make our economy as competitive as possible. Not only does this high APD prevent competitiveness, it prevents Scotland from bouncing back from recession. The Westminster Government needs to listen to the advice of Scotland’s airports and devolve APD to the Scottish Government. Only then will we be able to compete with other destinations, and realise the potential we all know is here.”