Ryanair is to reduce its Belfast schedule in winter 2019, citing a “weak UK market” and the UK Air Passenger Duty (APD).
With the launch of its Belfast Winter schedule (2019) Ryanair confirmed it will deliver nine routes to Alicante, Bergamo, Berlin Schonefeld, Krakow, Lanzarote, London Stansted, Malaga, Manchester and Tenerife South.
However, the airline also confirmed it would reduce its Belfast schedule in winter, highlighting the APD which is currently payable at both airports on domestic routes (£26).
“Ryanair is pleased to announce our Belfast Winter 2019 schedule with 9 routes, which will deliver 850,000 customers p.a. at Belfast Airport,” said Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, David O’Brien. “Regrettably, at a time of high fuel costs, low fares, and a weak UK market, Ryanair’s Belfast services will be reduced, pending the abolition of Air Passenger Duty (APD) in Northern Ireland.”
A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport welcomed the 2019 schedule but added: “We are disappointed in the reduction of service but fully understand the reasons for Ryanair’s decision to reduce their Northern Ireland network. The airline can make a greater commercial return across the breadth of their European network where they don’t have the taxation disadvantage posed by Air Passenger Duty (APD).”
The spokesperson said the airport has “extensively highlighted the problem which Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland creates for air service development and job creation” and added, “We will continue to fight for the abolition of APD and trust that those with decision making powers will act with the necessary urgency to make the changes required to maintain and develop an effective air travel sector in Northern Ireland.”
