Aberdeen council chiefs have called for new powers to set airport taxes following a Scottish Government U-turn.
An SNP manifesto commitment to replace airport passenger duty (APD) with a devolved air departure tax (ADT) and eventually half and then abolish the levy was ditched earlier this week after mounting environmental concerns.
Airport bosses across the country have reacted with anger, warning that fewer flights could now land.
Nicola Sturgeon U-turns on flagship plans for airline industry tax cut
Aberdeen International Airport has already lost routes this year amid fierce competition.
Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports which own Aberdeen, said the reversal was a “huge blow”.
However environmentalists have widely welcomed the decision as a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from flights.
Last night Aberdeen council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said local authorities should be able to decide on what tax was imposed.
He said: “What is key for us is that these powers should be devolved to council level so that the local authority can then decide what is best for the local economy.
“Aberdeen Airport has already lost out on flights this year to Inverness, who don’t pay, and we feel we are better placed than the Scottish Government to know how to help the recovery of this vital hub.
“We will be calling on the Scottish Government to devolve the powers.”
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Reducing air departure tax is no longer compatible with more ambitious climate targets.”
