APD reduced for Northern Ireland long-haul passengers

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced that air passenger duty (APD) will be cut for passengers travelling on direct long-haul routes departing from airports in Northern Ireland. From 1 November, the direct long-haul rate of APD will fall to the lower short-haul rate – currently £12 per passenger in economy and £24 for business and first class passengers. The decision means the future of Continental Airlines flights from Belfast International Airport to New York is now secured. Andrew Strong, Managing Director, Flybe UK said: “Flybe welcomes the Chancellor’s acknowledgement that air services from the UK’s regions