Nationwide survey reveals growing voter opposition to Airport Tax

U.S. voters overwhelmingly oppose an increase in the national Airport Tax, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Airlines for America (A4A), an industry trade organization for major U.S. airline.

The survey, conducted by The Tarrance Group, found that 82 percent of 1,000 registered voters questioned opposed attempts by airports in the U.S. to nearly double the  tax, which is known as a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC),  in addition to tying future tax increases to inflation.

Other survey findings show that voters suspect airports already have the necessary resources to fund projects; and when given the choice between improving airport facilities or improving roads and bridges, 89 percent of voters chose to support funding improvements to roads and bridges.

“The lack of a crisis in airport funding hasn’t prevented some from trying to invent one,” A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said. “Since 2008, over $70 billion of airport capital projects have been completed, are underway, or are approved by U.S. airlines and their airport partners at the nation’s largest 30 airports. Voters correctly believe that airports have plenty, yet passengers are taxed enough.”

The survey results were released as a number of airlines, industry stakeholders, anti-tax advocates, and organized labor and consumer groups speak out against airports’ attempts to raise the PFC.