Irish airlines told to boost numbers or face tax, again

Ireland's Finance Minister Michael Noonan threatened to keep the country's controversial EUR3 travel tax if Ryanair and Aer Lingus fail to increase passenger numbers into Ireland (Independent.ie, 11-May-2011). Mr Noonan confirmed the tax will be removed from 01-Jul-2011 on the understanding that both airlines increase numbers into the country. He added that a review of the decision to "suspend" the tax will be conducted by the end of 2012. The abolition of the tax is expected to result in a loss to the government of EUR15 million this year, EUR90 million in 2012 and EUR105 million in 2013.