The Government has today announced a review into domestic Air Passenger Duty (APD), with the backing of the Prime Minister, who signalled his support by saying,
“I want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country.”
The Government is announcing a review into domestic APD, with two options under consideration, to cut it to £7 from the existing minimum of £13, or to remove the return leg fare, as part of the wider Hendy Review on connectivity which has been confirmed today.
Welcoming the news was local Member of Parliament Steve Double, who said:
“A cut in APD is long overdue and is something I have been campaigning for as MP for St Austell and Newquay and as Chair of the Regional Airports All Party Parliamentary Group for some time, having raised this issue in Parliament and met with Ministers about it. In fact, it was one of the first issues I raised with the then- Chancellor, George Osborne, when I was first elected in 2015. This review is a major step forward in what has been a long personal campaign for me.”
“Today’s announcement, with the backing of our Prime Minister, is really positive news that will help support regional connectivity for vital regional airports like Newquay’s, level up the UK, and provide a welcome measure of relief to domestic carriers who have had a terrible time through the COVID-19 pandemic. Having now left the EU and free from their regulations, we are able to make decisions like this ourselves and I believe we should use this freedom to ensure our economy is competitive.”
“I look forward to working further with the Hendy Review and Ministers and would urge as much speed as possible in the consultation process for the benefit of our airports, airlines, and the wider economic boost to Cornwall and across the UK a cut in APD would bring.”