Scottish Greens propose levy on frequent flyers to fund cheaper public transport

At a pre-conference event in Inverness, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay called for a new tax on people who fly often, arguing it would both curb aviation emissions and raise money for affordable public transport. The Scottish Trades Union Congress figures the levy could bring in roughly £50 million each year, funding reduced train tickets and bus fares across the country. The party proposes an exemption for lifeline flights to the Scottish islands, stressing fairness between occasional holiday flyers and frequent business travellers.

Mackay framed the measure as part of a wider strategy to shift the tax burden toward wealth, noting the Greens have already secured higher taxes on private jets and a £2 bus-fare cap. The Scottish Government has announced a private-jet tax set for 2028, but the frequent-flyer levy remains a party proposal.