What assessment it has made of whether lower Air Departure Tax rates could encourage airlines to expand route networks and to allocate addi…

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of international air connectivity to our nation's economy. We are committed to working with airlines and Scotland's airports to help grow our international connectivity, while not returning to previous levels of emissions. Our key aspiration is to help Scotland become at least as well connected as our peer nations and regions by growing demand for existing and new routes that are vital for inbound tourism, business connectivity and exports.The Scottish Government has carried out extensive engagement with the aviation sector and other interested parties ahead of the implementation of Air Departure Tax (ADT) on 1 April 2027. This includes the Delivering Scotland’s Air Departure Tax consultation that ran from 29 January to 26 March 2026 and invited responses on future ADT policy considerations. The consultation analysis report was published on 15 July 2026.The Scottish Government also held two Ministerial roundtables in February and March 2026 and has convened an Expert Advisory Group on ADT to further inform future ADT policy development.As part of this engagement, a number of aviation stakeholders have suggested that lower ADT rates may play a role in encouraging airlines to expand route networks and allocate additional aircraft capacity to airports in Scotland. ADT is expected to be one of several factors influencing airlines’ decision making, alongside fuel costs, air navigation charges, crew costs and other airport charges such as ground handling.ADT rates for 2027-28 will match those of the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty to help ease the transition to ADT for passengers and the aviation sector. ADT rates for 2028-29 will be set out at the forthcoming Scottish Budget on 3 December 2026.