17 Acknowledged

The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome.

Recommendation
The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome. However, that system will not be introduced until 1 April 2023. The Government should bring that date forward to 1 July 2022 to support domestic routes that might otherwise collapse because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Paragraph 83) Sustainable aviation
Government Response Summary
The government has noted the recommendation but will not bring forward the date of the Air Passenger Duty changes, citing the need to provide airlines with sufficient notice and acknowledge booking cycles.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government has noted this recommendation. Our reforms to Air Passenger Duty (APD) constitute a package that reflects our regional connectivity and environmental objectives, while ensuring the sector continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances. They are focused on long-term reform of APD, as we build back better from the pandemic. As has been usual practice since APD was first introduced in 1994, we are announcing our package of reforms and rates over 12 months in advance, in order to provide airlines with sufficient notice of our proposed reforms and to acknowledge the length of airline booking cycles.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Transport
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.1 yrs
Report published 25 Apr 2022