A new Aviation Policy has been launched today by Economy Minister
Dr in recognition of the
importance of air connectivity to our economy.
The Minister said: “As an island on the edge of Europe, Ireland
relies on air travel for trade, tourism, and foreign direct
investment. In the north, passenger numbers are growing at
all three airports and I want to build on this positive
momentum. My Department is investing in the City of Derry
Airport and we are working to restore direct flights with north
America. We also continue to make the case for the British
Government to abolish Air Passenger Duty so that there is a level
playing field across Ireland.”
The consultation sets out a number of policy positions including
plans to develop a route development scheme to enhance air
connectivity.
Decarbonisation, skills development, support for the restoration
of duty-free sales at our airports and the establishment of an
Aviation Advisory Group are other key issues outlined for
consideration. The Department also proposes commissioning
research to build the evidence base on the removal of Air
Passenger Duty (APD).
It also acknowledges the contribution played by all three local
airports to the local economy with passenger numbers rising
beyond their pre-Covid levels in recent years.
Emphasising the importance of having a regional policy, the
Minister said: “While civil aviation remains a reserved matter,
it is crucial for us to have our own regional aviation policy to
address local priorities and ensure that the unique needs of our
communities and economy are effectively represented. This
Aviation Policy will be the first of its kind for the north
reflecting the importance I am attaching to air travel.”
The consultation document and details on how to respond are
available on the Department's website at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/aviation-policy. The
consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 22 May 2026.
Notes to editors
- Photo caption – Economy Minister Dr has today published
the north's first Aviation Policy for
consultation. Pictured (L-R) are Katy Best, Chief
Commercial Officer, Belfast City Airport, Dan Owens, CEO,
Belfast International, Economy Minister Dr and Steve Frazer,
Managing Director, City of Derry Airport.
- Recent figures indicate air travel in the north continues to
experience significant demand throughout 2024 and 2025, with
passenger numbers rising by 13% to around 9.3 million each year
across Belfast International, Belfast City, and City of Derry
airports – an increase from 8.2 million in 2023.
- The consultation document has been co-drafted with the
subgroup of the Tourism Partnership Boad which involves the three
local airports and tourism stakeholders.
