Fresh calls to scrap APD to help boost Island's air travel sector

IOMTTA raises concerns about future of the industry

The number of people travelling to the Island is down by 200,000 passengers compared to pre-Covid levels.

That's according to the Isle of Man Travel Trade Association which is raising concerns about the future of the industry.

It's renewing calls on government to stop charging Airport Passenger Duty - a levy charged per passenger on most flights - in a bid to reduce the cost of fares.

Brian Kelly is from the group:

In response an Isle of Man Government spokesperson said: 

"Air Passenger Duty was introduced by the UK Government in 1994 to address the anomaly that there was no fuel duty levied on air transport.

"The Isle of Man has the ability to set its own rates of Air Passenger Duty - for out-bound flights only - and follows charges set by the UK to streamline the process for airlines.

"The revenue raised through this mechanism is around £4m annually. 

"This sum helps to fund the running costs of Isle of Man Airport which receives a government subvention of around £9m a year.

"The lines of communication between the Isle of Man Government and the local travel trade are very much open with a commitment to increasing tourist numbers and providing reliable connectivity for Island residents.

"The Department for Enterprise is actively engaging with a number of airlines to enhance existing routes and develop new opportunities through a range of incentives."

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson will present his Budget to Tynwald tomorrow (8 February).

You'll be able to listen to it as it's delivered from 10am on our AM 1368 channel or HERE.