Scientists seek tax on UK short-haul flights

Airline Industry Information, Dec 2, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Scientists are reportedly claiming that budget flights to short-haul destinations will result in a "catastrophic environmental legacy".

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has criticised the UK Government's airport expansion plan, and reportedly advocates a freeze on airport expansion while introducing a GBP40 to GBP100 tax on every airline ticket.

The commission - which has a mandate to advise the Government on long-term environmental issues - believes that the UK should restrict airport development, rather than just expand in response to demand.

The scientists identified short-haul flights as the worst offenders, because of their inefficient use of fuel, reported The Guardian.

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