Airlines deliver more routes in exchange for tax removal

Airlines are keeping their promise to deliver more routes and capacity in exchange for the removal of the air travel tax.

Speaking in advance of the tax being formally removed today, Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar said airlines had “stepped up to the plate” in response to the Government decision to remove the tax in the budget.

“Following the general election, this Government said it would cut the air travel tax to zero if the airlines were willing to increase capacity on our key access routes. The airlines have responded with more than 20 new flights into Ireland and increased capacity on existing routes. That is why we are fulfilling that commitment this week.”

Mr Varadkar said last year was the best year for inbound tourism since 2008, thanks to The Gathering, and expressed hope this year would be just as successful.

Chief marketing officer with Ryanair, Kenny Jacobs, said scraping the tax would lead to more routes from the airline. “Ryanair is delighted to launch 20 new routes this summer from Dublin, Knock and Shannon, which will deliver over one million additional passengers through Irish airports this year. This growth is a direct result of the Government’s welcome decision to scrap the travel tax from April 1 and we look forward to delivering further new routes, jobs and tourism growth in Ireland.”

Aer Lingus communications director Declan Kearney, said the removal of the tax “is a very positive step that will benefit consumers, the tourism and hospitality sectors, airports, airlines, and the broader economy”.

CEO of Tourism Ireland Niall Gibbons, said the additional routes and increased capacity was offering Ireland to a wider tourism audience around the world.