Climate Change and Taxing Air Travel

In 2006, to better understand the mood among the British public regarding air travel and its impact on the environment, the Trust commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake a survey among UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland). The research also examined the potential acceptability of an increase in tax on air travel. Based on the results of this public survey, Ipsos MORI concluded that:

• Adding significantly to the cost of air travel is supported by the majority – if the tax is used directly to invest in a cleaner environment or better public services in education or health, and;
• A majority of the public appear willing to support a policy restricting the growth in air travel when told of the possible consequences of climate change and the links the air travel industry has to climate change.