Commenting on the NICEP report that there is not a strong enough case to scrap Air Passenger Duty (APD) on short-haul flights from Northern Ireland, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said:

“NI Chamber is disappointed by the findings of the NICEP report, however it is understandable given the pressures on the block grant. We must now continue to lobby the UK government so as APD is removed right across the UK, meaning Northern Ireland airports can compete with Dublin Airport.

“APD is a tax on business, increasing costs for our inward investors and exporters. It penalises businesses who need to fly to establish trade links and export their goods, especially when our businesses are operating in an ever more competitive and hostile international market. It also puts our local airports at risk.

“A zero rate of APD will ensure the economic development of Northern Ireland particularly in the three areas pinpointed in the Executive’s Programme for Government – exports, investment and tourism.

“Simply, if Northern Ireland is to export its way out of recovery and encourage investment it needs to be on an equal playing field with the Republic of Ireland.”

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