Firstly to say I am in favour of abolition of the tax and for an equal footing in terms of competing with Dublin it should be out.
However, apart from retaining United as our scheduled route hitherto (yes I know VS are coming for a few months),what tangible benefits has the acting of this tax brought? Have we seen lower fares? Have we seen significant growth in passenger numbers....?
On the face of the data, it would seem difficult based on the experience to date of the tax not being in place to argue for its non return. An economic view ..
The question is would United really withdraw ? And with a permanent abolition would we see new services ex Belfast ?