Concerns over Aer Lingus’ rumoured move to city airport
LOCAL MLAs have voiced concerns over rumours that Aer Lingus are to switch its operations from Belfast International Airport to George Best City of Belfast airport.
The Irish airline currently flies to Heathrow and seven European destinations from their base at Aldergrove.
Aer Lingus is expected to offer a series of routes to UK airports if the move goes ahead.
South Antrim DUP MP William McCrea said that while no one has confirmed that this move is about to happen, if this report is proved to be factual then this would be a “very retrograde step” for the air travelling public.
He added: “The Antrim hub is Northern Ireland’s only International Airport and must retain a service to Heathrow to ensure the air travelling public are not held to ransom by a few airlines.
“I have over the years demanded a proper Aviation Strategy for the province but this has not been forthcoming. The piecemeal approach to Aviation for the province is not in the best interests of the air travelling public and I demand that this be attended to as a matter of urgency.”
His comments were echoed by party colleague Trevor Clarke MLA who said the move comes in the wake of the City’s loss of BMI Baby which carried 400,000 passengers per year and suggested that “Aer Lingus wants to fill the gap that has been left”.
“Only [this week] we had the British Airline Pilots Association addressing MPs and claiming that it is not sensible for Belfast to have two major airports spaced 14 miles apart,” Mr Clarke said.
He added: “Belfast International Airport has welcomed the professional views of BALPA, and believes it is important to investigate how an international facility is best served to drive the Northern Ireland economy forward.
“Getting involved in arguments about competitive value between local airports is handing the incentive to Dublin Airport, and giving them scope to cash in on passengers who would otherwise to benefitting our economy in Northern Ireland.
“It is obvious that the International Airport is centrally located and can best serve the population who live throughout the Province.”
“It’s pure speculation and they [Aer Lingus] are not going to comment on it,” a spokeswoman for the airline said.
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Weather for Antrim
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 4 C to 11 C
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