Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kinahan has welcomed a new report advocating the reduction of Air Passenger Duty for all flights in and out of Northern Ireland.
The South Antrim MLA said:
“I very much welcome the new Report commissioned by Belfast International Airport promoting the economic benefits of reducing or eliminating Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland. This is a very useful addition to the debate, and a counterbalance to the recent Northern Ireland Centre for Economic Policy Report which rejected the proposal that Air Passenger Duty for short haul flights in and out of Northern Ireland should be reduced or abolished.
“This is an issue which must be kept on the agenda at both Stormont and Westminster. I am campaigning to see a reduction of Air Passenger Duty right across the United Kingdom, and an Enterprise zone around the International Airport at Aldergrove.
“The slashing of Air Passenger Duty in the Irish Republic has created a particular problem for Northern Ireland airports, which government has been slow to respond to. We need to look at reducing Air Passenger Duty on a UK wide basis, and at a local level we need to do more to allow our airports to compete on a more level playing field with Dublin.
“I would also repeat my call for a new Air Route Development Fund to attract new air routes and carriers to airports in Northern Ireland. This policy worked under Lord Empey when he was Enterprise Minister. The model for the fund is there, and it should be re launched to develop business connections and new routes with inbound tourism potential.”