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Calls for Scottish APD cut backed by Edinburgh airport boss

The boss of Edinburgh airport has backed efforts to cut or abolish Air Passenger Duty on all international routes from Scotland.

Chief executive Gordon Dewar was speaking as the airport reported an 8.3% rise in passengers handled last month to 860,966 over November last year.

A 20% rise in international passengers helped offset a decline in domestic travellers.

The airport handled more than 431,000 international passengers in November, while domestic numbers declined by 1% year-on-year to under 429,792.

Chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “We have a healthy equilibrium of inbound and outbound passengers with the most balanced mix of any UK airport outside London.

“This fact, which reinforces the strength and appeal of Edinburgh as a destination and the global draw of Scotland, gives us greater confidence as we look at the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“But there can be no room for complacency – and Edinburgh airport supports calls to abolish long haul Air Passenger Duty.

“We warmly welcome the recognition that international connectivity is a key driver for Scotland’s economy.

“We now look forward to the Scottish government publishing their plans and timetable which should back this position and also include the abolition – or substantial reduction – of APD on all international routes to and from Scotland, not just destinations over 2,000 miles.

“The greatest volume of our passengers fly to and from Europe – and it is a reduction of the tax on these European routes that will deliver a substantial increase in services and create jobs and economic prosperity here in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, passengers using Glasgow airport in November increased by 7.7% to 666,338, with international traffic up by 14.9% and domestic rising by 2.2%.

Winter sun options from Glasgow airport have been increased with the introduction of Ryanair services to Alicante, Malaga, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, while Loganair’s summer 2017 schedule includes a new twice-weekly service to Bergen.

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