North-east MSP, Gillian Martin, has claimed the introduction of new air departure tax cuts will boost the region’s economy.
MSPs voted to create a legal framework for a new tax at Holyrood yesterday and, although they did not set a rate, the SNP plans a 50% cut.
But opponents said this would damage public service investment, and help wealthier frequent fliers rather than families going on holiday, as well as damaging the environment.
Ms Martin, the SNP’s Aberdeenshire East representative, said: “As we begin to see a recovery in the oil and gas sector and the wider north-east economy, the new flight levy allows the Scottish Government to take necessary action to support this recovery further.
“It will also help bring more tourists and businesses to the north-east of Scotland, filling hotel rooms, restaurants and bars and making the north-east a leading destination for visitors to Scotland and the UK from more places around the world.”
North-east MSP Liam Kerr, Conservative, backed the “completely logical” move.
He said: “Many in the north-east have little option but to fly if they need to make journeys to London, for example.
“This is vital economic activity and it means a greater local economic contribution for more tourists.”
But Green MSP Andy Wightman condemned a tax cut he said would put £47.3million into the pockets of businesses in the first year.
He added: “Greens cannot support legislation with such weak environmental, economic and social criteria.”
Scottish Labour transport spokesperson Neil Bibby MSP said his party supported a tax, but not a tax cut.
He said:
“There can be no justification for a tax cut for frequent flyers while £1.5billion has been cut from local services since 2011.
“Nicola Sturgeon must explain who is going to foot the bill for this airline tax cut.”
