New Northern Ireland aviation policy aims to boost flights, cut costs and grow economy
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today published the Northern Ireland’s first Aviation Policy for consultation. Pictured (L-R) are Katy Best, Chief Commercial Officer, Belfast City Airport, Dan Owens, CEO, Belfast International, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Steve Frazer, Managing Director, City of Derry Airport.
A major new aviation policy designed to strengthen Northern Ireland’s global connections and drive economic growth has been launched — with ambitions to restore transatlantic flights, cut passenger costs and expand airport capacity.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald on Friday (March 27) unveiled the consultation, describing it as a “first of its kind” regional strategy aimed at building on surging passenger numbers and positioning the north for future growth.
“As an island on the edge of Europe, Ireland relies on air travel for trade, tourism, and foreign direct investment,” she said.
“In the north, passenger numbers are growing at all three airports and I want to build on this positive momentum.”
Passenger growth fuels new strategy
The policy comes as demand for air travel continues to climb sharply.
Passenger numbers across Northern Ireland’s three main airports — Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport — have risen by 13%, reaching around 9.3 million annually in 2024 and 2025.
That marks a significant jump from 8.2 million passengers recorded in 2023, with all three airports now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The Minister said the new policy aims to harness that momentum while addressing long-standing challenges around connectivity and competitiveness.
Plans to restore US flights and cut passenger costs
Among the most eye-catching proposals is a renewed push to restore direct flights to North America — a move seen as critical for tourism and inward investment.
The Department is also continuing efforts to persuade the UK Government to abolish Air Passenger Duty (APD), which has long been criticised for putting Northern Ireland at a disadvantage compared to the Republic of Ireland.
Officials will also commission new research to strengthen the case for removing APD altogether.
Route development and greener aviation
The consultation outlines a wide-ranging set of proposals, including:
A new route development scheme to expand destinations
Support for restoring duty-free shopping at airports
Investment in decarbonisation and greener aviation
Skills development across the aviation sector
Creation of an Aviation Advisory Group
The policy has been co-drafted with a subgroup of the Tourism Partnership Board, bringing together airports and tourism stakeholders to align future growth with wider economic goals.
A “first of its kind” regional policy
While aviation policy is largely controlled by Westminster, the Minister stressed the importance of having a tailored regional approach.
“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,” she said.
“This Aviation Policy will be the first of its kind for the north reflecting the importance I am attaching to air travel.”
Public consultation now open
The consultation is open for eight weeks, giving businesses, industry stakeholders and the public the opportunity to shape the future of aviation in Northern Ireland.
Full details and how to respond are available via the Department for the Economy website:
The consultation closes on 22 May 2026.
At a glance
New aviation policy consultation launched for Northern Ireland
Led by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald
Passenger numbers up 13% to 9.3 million annually
Plans include restoring North America flights
Continued push to abolish Air Passenger Duty
New route development scheme proposed
Focus on decarbonisation and aviation skills
Aviation Advisory Group to be established
Consultation open until 22 May 2026