Murphy raises concerns with Transport Secretary

Date published: 24 March 2020

Last week the Finance Minister met with the Chief Executives of Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry airports, where they each outlined the very severe financial challenges they are facing.

Minister Murphy said: “Today I reinforced to the Transport Secretary that our airports are a critical part of our economic infrastructure and they need urgent support. COVID19 has had a profound impact locally, with all three airports seeing a dramatic decline in flights.

“Both the Executive and the British Government have taken significant emergency measures to support workers and the broader economy. However, the Chief Executives of each of our three local airports have stressed to me how important it is that the Government delivers the targeted support the airports need to help them to continue to operate. The other taxes and regulatory costs they face need to be deferred. Looking ahead Air Passenger Duty (APD) needs to be suspended for at least six months once the pandemic has abated – indeed APD needs more fundamental action going forward.

“We must provide support for workers so airports are primed and ready to maintain vital air links as we recover from this crisis.”