GLASGOW airport chiefs have backed an SNP call to give Scotland control of flight taxes to encour-age more international flights from the city.

It is feared that high duties prevent airlines from setting up such routes from the city.

Amanda McMillan, boss of Glasgow Airport, recently said that high air passenger duty (APD) made it "incredibly difficult" to persuade airlines to come to Glasgow.

All four major Scottish airports have backed a call for devolution of APD after Northern Ireland was given control of setting the rates.

Long-haul passengers from Northern Irish airports will now pay the short-haul rate of duty – £12 in economy and £24 in business and first class.

In the rest of Britain, APD remains £60 for economy and £120 for first class and business – the highest in Europe.

Angus MacNeil MP, the SNP's Westminster transport spokesman, said: "This is good news for Northern Ireland, but Scotland deserves equality of treatment from the Treasury.

"There is overwhelming evidence for the devolution of APD. Transport Scotland have said there is no good reason why passengers in Scotland should have to continue to travel in such numbers through other UK airports or not benefit from levels of connectivity enjoyed in other parts of the UK.

"Devolution of APD would enable us to incentivise airlines to provide new direct international routes, providing Scotland's passengers with enhanced options as they go about their business more freely and more effectively.

"It would also provide a substantial boost to the Scottish economy and create jobs."

Ms McMillan recently gave evidence to the Scotland Bill Committee, which is considering the transfer of powers from Westminster to Holyrood, which may include handing over control of APD.

She said: "APD is a huge concern to the aviation sector.

"It is incredibly difficult when pitching for new routes and facing global competition. It is a barrier to entry especially for long-haul travel.

"VisitBritain said APD is having an impact and their research showed that Chinese visitors will come to France but not on to Britain."

The Treasury said it was considering the situation in Scotland. A Treasury spokesman said: "The Government has consulted on a range of reforms to APD."

jasper.hamill@eveningtimes.co.uk

ANGUS MacNEIL MP