Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
604. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the abolition of the air travel tax will allow Ireland to become a major transatlantic hub, in view of its competitive position against other airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44537/13]
View answerThe suspension of the €3 air travel tax from April next year, together with the retention of the 9% VAT rate, is primarily aimed at boosting the Irish tourism industry and local economies.
In relation to transatlantic services, capacity on these routes did increase by over 20% this summer season and a number of new services to the US West coast and Canada have already been announced for next year. These additional routes, together with preclearance facilities and the abolition of the air travel tax should serve to increase the attractiveness of Shannon and Dublin airports as transit hubs for passengers travelling to and from North America.
