LISTEN: Belfast International Airport to close during periods when flights aren't operating throughout November

By Q Radio News

Belfast International Airport is to close during periods when flights are not operating throughout November.

It is the first time the airport has had to shut because of the pandemic.

The airport says it will use the government's job retention to implement these closures.

Speaking about the move, Graham Keddie, the Managing Director said,

Graham Keddie

“Belfast International Airport has had to make some very tough decisions in recent months as the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for the aviation sector.

"When the first lockdown was announced and all commercial flights were grounded, we were committed to keeping the airport open 24/7. This was to keep Northern Ireland connected and to ensure that we remained open for all medical emergency flights, all military and PSNI traffic, the Royal Mail and all cargo flights, including the delivery of online purchases. This cost us roughly £65k per day.

“The recent travel restrictions and subsequent announcements from easyJet and Ryanair, among others, to understandably reduce their routes means we need to make more difficult decisions.

"As a result we will be closing the airport for a few hours on certain days throughout November when there are no commercial flights meaning passengers will not be impacted.

“We did not make this decision lightly and we are in discussions with the NI Executive for support to ensure we that we will be in a position to welcome these flights back as soon as it is possible.”

Responding to news that 24hour operations at Belfast International Airport will stop for a week in November, UUP Leader & South Antrim MLA, Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:

Steve Aiken

“The news that Belfast International Airport will be unable to maintain 24hour operations is a matter of considerable concern. 

“BIA is our only 24hour airport in Northern Ireland.  The unprecedented break in this coverage will directly impact on the ability to maintain fixed wing air ambulance operations, PSNI Air Support, MoD and freight operations.

“That money is available within the COVID19 mitigation measures to keep essential communications open demonstrates a lack of understanding by Ministers, and particularly by the Economy Minister, of the vital role that BIA plays for all of Northern Ireland.  We urge Ministers to get the support to the airport now to restore 24hr operations”