Air Departure Tax bill to be examined by Holyrood’s Finance Committee

The bill, introduced to Parliament, will give the Scottish government the power to levy a tax on aircraft operators on the “carriage of passengers on flights that begin in Scotland”.

The government says the new bill will help boost Scotland‘s air connectivity and enhance economic competitiveness, business and tourism.

The committee will take evidence from a range of witnesses on the bill, including business and environmental organisations.

Finance and Constitution Committee convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: “The introduction of this bill is another milestone in the devolution of further powers to this Parliament.

“It’s the job of our committee to examine the detail of this bill – whether we agree with its general principles and whether it is likely to achieve the strategic and policy objectives set by the government.

“The government has said the bill will help to generate new direct air routes, sustain existing routes and increase inbound tourism to Scotland.

“Our committee, therefore, wants to hear public evidence on the economic merits of the bill but also on its potential environmental impact.

“These views and arguments will be taken into account by our committee when we scrutinise the government’s bill next month.”

The committee’s call for evidence can be found here. The closing date for responses is Friday 10 February 2017.