Ulster Unionist MP Danny Kinahan has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to take steps to end APD in Northern Ireland following the launch of a consultation in Scotland which could halve Air Passenger Duty (APD) on flights from Scottish airports.
Mr Kinahan said:
“APD is due to be devolved to Holyrood when the Scotland bill becomes law and the current SNP administration has pledged to cut the tax by 50% between April 2018 and 2021 if they are returned to power in May.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has consistently made the case for lowering and eliminating air passenger duty at Northern Ireland airports because it is putting us at a competitive disadvantage compared to Dublin.
“Although recent developments have shown that our local airports are doing a tremendous job in delivering significant economic benefits in terms of job creation and investment, there is no question that they are being held back by the imposition of Air Passenger Duty on short-haul flights.
“The consultation announced today demonstrates that the Scottish Government has clearly recognised that APD acts as a brake on Scotland’s economic development and I believe it is high time that the Northern Ireland Executive did likewise and backed it up with actions instead of words.”