Airports urge Westminster to review air passenger tax

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George Best Belfast City Airport
Image caption,

A deal struck between the DUP and the Conservative Party in June contained a commitment to review air passenger duty

Northern Ireland's three airports have told the UK government they are ready to axe air passenger duty.

The chief executives of Belfast International, Belfast City and the City of Derry airports want a review into the impact of scrapping the tax.

And they want it to begin as soon as possible.

The confidence and supply deal struck between the Conservatives and the DUP in June contained a commitment to review air passenger duty.

Image caption,

Airport bosses want to know the timescale for the review into air passenger duty

In a letter to First Secretary Damian Green, the airport chiefs said it would be helpful if they could be advised of the timescale for the review and who will carry it out.

They said they stand ready to put the case for removing air passenger duty on the grounds of both economic growth and jobs.

Image source, Derry City Airport
Image caption,

Airport chiefs have asked for the review of air passenger tax to be 'initiated, completed and the result implemented as soon as possible'

The three airports have said they "already have a number of our existing and potential airlines ready to commit to flying from Northern Ireland should air passenger duty be removed".

They asked that the review could be "initiated, completed and the result implemented as soon as possible".