A new aviation policy for Northern Ireland has been launched today by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
“As an island on the edge of Europe, Ireland relies on air travel for trade, tourism, and foreign direct investment. In Northern Ireland, passenger numbers are growing at all three airports and I want to build on this positive momentum. My Department is investing in the City of Derry Airport and we are working to restore direct flights with north America. We also continue to make the case for the British Government to abolish Air Passenger Duty so that there is a level playing field across Ireland.”
The consultation sets out a number of policy positions including plans to develop a route development scheme to enhance air connectivity.
Decarbonisation, skills development, support for the restoration of duty-free sales at our airports and the establishment of an Aviation Advisory Group are other key issues outlined for consideration. The Department also proposes commissioning research to build the evidence base on the removal of Air Passenger Duty (APD).
It also acknowledges the contribution played by all three local airports to the local economy with passenger numbers rising beyond their pre-Covid levels in recent years.
Emphasising the importance of having a regional policy, the Minister said: “While civil aviation remains a reserved matter, it is crucial for us to have our own regional aviation policy to address local priorities and ensure that the unique needs of our communities and economy are effectively represented. This Aviation Policy will be the first of its kind for the north reflecting the importance I am attaching to air travel.”
The consultation document and details on how to respond are available on the Department’s website at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/aviation-policy. The consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 22 May 2026.
The new poiicy was quickly welcomed by the Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition, a new group of industry stakeholders. Colin Neill, Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition, said:
“The Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition welcomes the launch of the Northern Ireland Aviation Policy as an important step forward in recognising the critical role that connectivity plays in underpinning economic growth, tourism and regional competitiveness.
“In particular, the Coalition strongly supports the collaborative approach taken in developing the policy. The meaningful engagement with major aviation stakeholders throughout its formulation demonstrates what can be achieved when government works in partnership with industry to identify shared challenges and practical solutions. This model of co-design should now serve as a template for how all connectivity-related policy is developed in Northern Ireland.
“Connectivity is not a standalone issue; it is an essential economic enabler that impacts multiple sectors, from tourism and hospitality to trade and investment. Ensuring that those who rely on and deliver connectivity are directly involved in shaping policy will lead to more effective, sustainable and deliverable outcomes.
“The Coalition looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with government and stakeholders to ensure that the ambitions set out in the Aviation Policy are realised, and that this collaborative, joined-up approach is embedded across wider connectivity policy in the future.”