Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport have registered concerns about Air Passenger Duty (APD) after new laws were drafted that allow Scotland to set their own levels.

Regional airlines and services have long campaigned to the Treasury of APD, viewing the duty as a tax on growth that prevents international airlines from investing in new routes and locations.

Chief executive of MAG, owner of Manchester Airport, Charlie Cornish said:

“The Government’s decision to devolve APD to Scotland is clear recognition of the huge economic benefit of adopting a flexible, regional approach to these issues.

“However, it makes no sense to limit this flexible approach to just one part of the UK. The Government must now give other regions the same freedom to decide what to do with APD, so that they can work out how to make the most effective use of existing capacity and secure new routes and services.

“Aviation taxes in the UK are far higher than anywhere else in the world, putting the UK at a significant competitive disadvantage. With a more competitive UK airport industry, the country would benefit from stronger and more balanced growth, driven by increased global connectivity directly from the regions.”

A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesperson concurred, saying:

“If there are cuts to APD at Airports in Scotland, then these need to be matched elsewhere across the UK.

“APD remains a barrier to airline growth in the UK, which the Scottish Government recognise. We will continue to campaign for the reduction and abolition of APD for passengers in order to stimulate the market, particularly at airports such as Liverpool where low cost airlines are dominant and these charges can make up a much higher percentage of the air fare.”

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Words: Peter Cribley