Responding to the announcement in the Autumn Statement that Air Passenger Duty is to be abolished for children under the age of 12 from 1 May 2015, and children under the age of 16 the following year, Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, the trade body for UK airports, said:
“The Airport Operators Association supports the positive decision to scrap APD on children. This will make it easier for hard-working families to enjoy an affordable holiday, and provides a welcome shot in the arm to the UK tourism sector, whether domestic, outbound or inbound.
“Taken together with the Budget decision in March to abolish APD Bands C and D on long-haul journeys, it is clear the Treasury is acknowledging that not only are high-levels of APD an unnecessary barrier to business growth and investment but also a block on both UK holidaymakers seeking a break around the UK or overseas and a disincentive to potential inbound tourists, put off by high air taxes on families.
“We will of course continue to campaign for APD to come down across the board, in all areas of the UK. But for now the Chancellor should be commended for taking this bold decision.”
