Enterprise to review Island's open skies policy
The treasury minister says halving the cost of Air Passenger Duty on flights leaving the Isle of Man would cost government £2 million.
David Ashford has been quizzed on the subject in the House of Keys this morning by Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.
It's after UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak cut APD on domestic flights from £13 to £6.50, but that won't be extended to flights coming here.
David Ashford says customers wouldn't necessarily benefit from a reduction, if APD was cut on flights leaving Ronaldsway:
Mr Moorhouse was concerned the Isle of Man could miss out on tourism revenue if Air Passenger Duty isn't reduced.
'In reality this is only £6.50 per passenger as is unlikely to make a material difference to travel decisions.'
Department for Enterprise Minister Dr Alex Allinson, answering the same question from Mr Moorhouse, echoed the treasury minister's view and confirmed work is underway to review the Island's current open skies policy:
Former Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly, speaking last year, suggested the policy should come in to discussion 'following the pandemic'.
Two Manx high schools told to stop operating CCTV 'inside' toilets
King Gaming's license suspended amidst criminal investigation
Hopes new unit will reduce amount of time patients spend in hospital
Housing, VAT, climate and tourism among concerns raised by the East in government roadshow
Skills Strategy hopes to tackle 'significant' skills shortage
Loganair to remove Saturday service to Birmingham
