Minister Archibald sets out plan to boost air travel
Date published:
A new Aviation Policy consultation has been launched today by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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. The consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 22 May 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption – Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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 Caoimhe Archibald 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.
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