Swann calls on Treasury to scrap Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the upcoming Budget, calling on HM Treasury to give full consideration to the abolition or substantial, gradual reduction of Air Passenger Duty (APD) for flights departing from Northern Ireland airports.

The move follows a recent meeting between Mr Swann, UUP Airport DEA Rep Ryan Kirkpatrick, and management at Belfast International Airport. All three commercial airports in Northern Ireland agree on the need for APD reform to unlock regional economic growth and global connectivity.

In his letter to the Treasury, Mr Swann emphasised that Northern Ireland airports face a unique competitive environment within the United Kingdom.

After writing to the Chancellor, Robin Swann MP said:

“This is not about asking for special treatment or an unfair advantage over other parts of the United Kingdom. It is about establishing a fair playing field.

“Due to our geography on the island, our local airports do not compete with regional airports in Great Britain. Instead, they compete directly with Dublin Airport, which operates free of any equivalent air passenger tax and benefits from significant state support.

“This ongoing imbalance places Northern Ireland at a huge competitive disadvantage, driving over two million local passengers and substantial commercial airline investment south across the border every year.”

Mr Swann highlighted that addressing APD would deliver a significant return on investment for HM Treasury through increased aviation, tourism and job creation. He added:

“Removing or gradually reducing APD would incentivise airlines to base additional aircraft in Northern Ireland, launch new international routes, and deliver a major boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors.

“The resulting economic activity and creation of high-quality local jobs would generate tax revenues that would repay the Treasury and then some within a short timeframe. Unlocking the full potential of our airports is vital for future growth, and I strongly urge the Chancellor to act in the upcoming Budget.”