The Stormont Assembly has passed the final stage of the Air Passenger Duty Bill, reducing the duty on long-haul flights from Northern Ireland airports to zero from January 2013.
John Doran, Managing Director of Belfast International Airport, said: “Given the increasing differential with regard to direct long-haul air passenger duty levels between the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the very specific problems which this caused for Northern Ireland connectivity, we are grateful to the Northern Ireland Executive and HM Treasury that decisive action has been taken.
“We now look forward with renewed vigour to building upon the success of our direct US air links, as well as reaching out into key additional long-haul markets in Canada and the eastern hemisphere, in partnership with the investment and tourism authorities.”
