WWF fears air passenger duty will be scrapped if devolved

WWF Scotland said scrapping Air Passenger Duty (APD) would be a “backward step” if no workable alternatives replace it.

The Scottish government wants APD to be devolved from Westminster – leading to fears from green groups it will be abolished for Scottish passengers.

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports have all backed the move to have the tax devolved.

The airports made a submission to the Smith Commission on powers for the Scottish Parliament which was welcomed by the Scottish National Party.

However WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "Aviation is the fastest growing sector of carbon pollution and threatens to undermine other efforts to curb climate change emissions.

"Despite all their special pleading, the aviation industry still enjoys significant exemption from taxes, including VAT and fuel duty.

"Therefore, scrapping APD would be a backwards step in efforts to curb soaring climate emissions.

"The reality is that, if we want to meet our climate targets, any growth in emissions from the aviation sector will have to be offset by deeper cuts elsewhere in Scotland's economy."