Scottish 'yes' will scrap air passenger tax

The Scottish National Party (SNP) will scrap air passenger tax should the party form an independent Scottish government after a "yes" vote in the referendum on September 18.

It estimates the levy deters 2 million visitors a year. British Airways and EasyJet may be among corporate beneficiaries of a vote to break up the United Kingdom.

The UK has the highest aviation tax in the world, IAG said in its annual report, with air passenger duty jumping 260pc on short-haul flights and as much as 360pc on long-haul since 2007, compared with an inflation rate of 20pc.

A family of four flying economy-class to Australia pays £376 in tax versus the equivalent of £160 pounds in Germany, £15 pounds in France and nothing in 25 other EU countries.

Bloomberg’s Kari Lundgre explained how some airlines look to benefit from the promise.

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