MSPS agree new tax to replace air passenger duty and cut flight costs

Holyrood has overwhelmingly passed legislation establishing a new tax to replace air passenger duty in Scotland.

MSPS approved the bill to create air departure tax (ADT), which will now come into force from April 2018, by 108 votes to 11.

It paves the way for the Scottish Government to fulfil its commitment to cut the levy in half by the end of this Parliament, ahead of abolishing the charge altogether “when resources allow”.

Ministers will set out the rates and bands for the new 0 Andy Wightman said his party could not back the idea charge in autumn this year – with these also having to be approved by MSPS.

Scottish Greens voted against the legislation and warned that without a rethink on plans to slash the current charges, the party’s six MSPS may not deal with ministers when it comes to budget talks next year.

The minority SNP administration relied on votes from the Greens to pass its Budget for 2017-18.

After the bill was given the go-ahead, Green MSP Andy Wightman said: “While this bill creates a legal framework for a new tax but does not set the rate, Greens cannot support legislation with such weak environmental, economic and social criteria.

“It’s not too late for Scottish ministers to rethink their approach.”