Aviation workers call for fair, climate-aligned flight taxes in Scotland that can accelerate zero-carbon flight
Safe Landing has submitted evidence to the Scottish Government consultation on Scotland’s proposed Air Departure Tax (ADT), setting out how aviation taxation can better support climate goals, fairness, and economic opportunity.
Our core message is simple: aviation taxes should better reflect climate impact of different flights, and those who pollute the most should pay the most.
We support the introduction of ADT as an opportunity to improve on the UK’s existing Air Passenger Duty (APD) scheme, but stress that policy design will be critical.
A fairer approach to flying
Safe Landing recommends that:
- Frequent, premium and private flyers pay higher rates, reflecting their higher emissions
- Tax bands better align with flight distance and carbon impact
- Long-haul flights, which currently face weak carbon pricing, are taxed more effectively
We also highlight the need to protect essential connectivity for communities in the Highlands and Islands, while avoiding loopholes that allow high-emission flights to benefit from exemptions.
Tackling private jet emissions
Private jets are among the most carbon-intensive forms of transport: up to 10x more polluting than commercial flights per passenger.
Yet current tax levels are too low to meaningfully impact demand.
We therefore call for:
- Significantly higher ADT rates for private jets
- A rising tax trajectory over time
- Stronger policies to curb high-emission luxury flying
Supporting zero-carbon flight
Crucially, ADT can do more than raise revenue: it can also help to shape the future of air travel.
Scotland is well-placed to lead in zero-carbon regional aviation, particularly on Highlands and Islands routes. With the right policy design, ADT could:
- support early adoption of electric, hybrid or hydrogen aircraft
- create high-value jobs in engineering, manufacturing and operations
- position Scotland as a global leader in clean aviation
- attract new tourists who are excited to try zero-carbon flight
Getting the transition right
Aviation can have a sustainable future, but only if policy is designed carefully.
By aligning taxes with emissions, targeting the highest emitters, and supporting zero-carbon innovation, Scotland has a unique opportunity to lead the way.
Read our full submission here: https://safe-landing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Scotlands-Air-Departure-Tax-Safe-Landings-Response-March-2026.pdf