If, as expected, Europe ultimately calls last orders on duty-free, operators like Aer Rianta will step up investment in other areas of the world when the commercial benefits of the system are recognised and supported. The Irish airports authority this week announced its intent to expand its duty-free interests by purchasing the Canadian business United Cigar Stores for £13 million. The operation has eight outlets at five locations in Canada, including two at Montreal airport.

Aer Rianta's total revenue last year rose 7 per cent to £247 million, excluding the £12 million income from associated activities , such as Birmingham and Dusseldorf airports and the duty-free operations in Russia, Ukraine and Bahrain. Profits on group operations rose £3 million to £41.7 million. Profits improved at Dublin. Cork and Shannon airports with record passenger numbers. Aer Rianta chairman Noel Hanlon reiterated his opposition to the planned cessation of duty free within Europe next June, describing the decision as retrograde. The fight, he says, " was now only beginning " As in the old maxim, its not over until its over. The fat diva in Brussels has yet to sing the final aria on duty free.