Calls for tax to be scrapped as Dublin Airport traffic falls

Ryanair has again called on the Irish government to scrap the €10 travel tax as Dublin Airport's June traffic fell 14%.

The drop in passengers to only 1.9 million represents a year-on-year decline of 300,000, something that the leading low fares airline blames on the Government tax.

Belgian, Dutch, Greek and Spanish governments have recently scrapped their own tourist taxes or reduced airport charges to stimulate tourists and kick-start the floundering travel industry. Ryanair believe that only by scrapping the tourist tax can the Irish Government to do the same. 

Ryanair's Stephen McNamara said: "The Irish Government should now follow the example of the Belgian, Dutch, Greek and Spanish governments and stop taxing tourists and start welcoming them. Ryanair has already announced the removal of two more aircraft from Dublin and Shannon this winter and Irish traffic, tourism and job losses will continue to collapse if the Government’s €10 tourist tax is not scrapped."

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