Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey has reiterated the importance of guaranteeing air-links between Northern Ireland and London, following the announcement that Flybe is to withdraw from the Belfast to Gatwick route.
Lord Empey said:
“Today's announcement by Flybe that it is withdrawing from the Belfast Gatwick route next year demonstrates the fragility of Northern Ireland's air links with London. While in this case we are fortunate to have alternative operators on this route, this might not always be the case.'
‘The Ulster Unionist Party is continuing its campaign, in London and in Brussels, to ensure that Northern Ireland is not cut off from the national hub airport at Heathrow. Over a year ago there were ten direct regional connections from UK regional airports to Heathrow - today that has been reduced to eight regional city connections to Heathrow, so do not listen to those who say there is not a problem!'
'The reality is that aviation is a very volatile business and there are no guarantees that changes cannot be made in the future to our disadvantage.'
'We are continuing to campaign to get the UK Government powers to ring fence slots at Heathrow for regional airports. Jim Nicholson MEP is making progress in Brussels and I am continuing to work on this in Westminster.'
'Today's announcement by Flybe just makes our work that bit more important to our future economic wellbeing.”