Ryanair calls on Government to shelve travel tax

Ryanair has called on the Irish Government to shelve its plans to introduce a €10 air travel tax after Belgium today abandoned plans for a similar tax owing to fears of its impact on tourism providers in the country.

"It is obvious that the Belgian government listened to the concerns of the tourism and aviation industries on the impact this tax would have on tourism," Ryanair's Stephen McNamara said.

The air travel tax, applicable to all departures from Irish airports, was introduced in the 2009 Budget by Finance Minister Brian Linehan.

Ryanair said the Government should at least review the proposed tax and alter it so that it is based on percentage of the fare, rather than on a flat rate.

"At a very minimum the government must consider how this tax can be more equitable and minimise the impact it will have on tourism in Ireland," McNamara said.