The Express is pushing the above. It’s a complete misrepresentation of the facts.

The Scottish Government is introducing Air Departure Tax (ADT) from April 2027 as Scotland’s replacement for UK Air Passenger Duty (APD). It will initially match UK APD rates for all flights, including commercial/holiday ones. Then, from April 2028, they’ll add a Private Jet Supplement that raises taxes specifically on private jets. https://www.gov.scot/publications/delivering-scotlands-air-departure-tax/pages/4/

Is this fair in terms of the environment?

Yes, this is designed to make super-wealthy users “contribute fairly” under a “polluter pays” approach, as private jets emit far more CO₂ per passenger.

Will it make a lot of money to spend on improving public services in Scotland?

Private jet use in Scotland remains high with over 12,000 flights in/out in 2024, with peaks around events like golf tournaments. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rvzqxyglro

Who might pay?

Public celebrity private jet trackers monitoring tails like those of Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner, show historical activity into Scotland. https://celebrityprivatejettracker.com/ Most private flights aren’t widely publicized for privacy reasons.

Glasgow Rangers arranged private jets for player transfers. Examples include flights linked to signing talks for players like Jens Hjertø-Dahl (from Norway), with a jet reportedly heading to/from Glasgow/Tromso area in mid-July 2026. https://x.com/AcademyNoahh/status/2078166040391897582

How much might the additional tax earn?

£28 -£30m million or 750 nurses. https://www.stopclimatechaos.scot/manifesto/policy/introduce-a-fair-private-jet-tax-with-an-exemption-forhighlands-and-islands-lifeline-travel-only-and-then-act-to-reduce-wider-aviation-demand/