Focus on Ireland Immigration and Ireland Economy: According to reports, Ireland will abolish its air passenger tax starting April 1, 2014, to stimulate demand for air travel.
Reviewing next year's budget, Ireland's Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, stated that the air passenger tax applicable to both domestic and international travelers will be abolished to support the development of the tourism industry.
Noonan also stated, “I expect airlines to take this opportunity to develop new routes and build transport networks, thereby aiding the development of the tourism industry. I have reason to believe they will do so.”
The air passenger tax was introduced in Ireland on March 30, 2009, initially calculated based on travel distance, with a fee of 2 euros for destinations within 300 kilometers of Dublin and 10 euros for farther destinations. On March 1, 2011, this fee policy was revised to a fixed charge of 3 euros for all travelers.
Ireland's national airline has expressed support for the abolition of the air passenger tax, arguing that the tax undermines demand for air travel, which is counterproductive from the perspective of Ireland's overall economic macro view.
Additionally, the airline claims that the air passenger tax violates European law and is suing the Irish government for 61 million euros.