Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of reducing Air Passenger Duty by 50 per cent on (a) the number of passenger journeys and (b) air routes.

International treaties ensure that there is no taxation of international aviation fuel, and the Government does not levy VAT on flights. APD ensures the aviation sector contributes its fair share to general taxation. Even at the current rates of APD, UK airports have enjoyed strong passenger growth: exceeding 15% in the previous five years.

The Government has not conducted an assessment of route opportunities under the specific scenarios mentioned. However, the Government is working with the sector to understand better how they believe any reduced APD rates might support new routes and increase connectivity.

The government will also look at the effects of APD and VAT on tourism in Northern Ireland. A call for evidence on this issue was announced at Autumn Budget 2017 and will be published in due course. Respondents in the aviation industry will be able to submit evidence on the wider impacts of APD upon UK tourism.