South Antrim Ulster Unionist MP Danny Kinahan has welcomed the announcement from Heathrow Airport this morning declaring that they will meet the requirements issued by the Airports Commission.

Mr Kinahan said:

“Any effort to bring forward a final decision on a new runway in the south east of England is greatly appreciated. Northern Ireland’s economy greatly depends on maintaining and enhancing our access to London. With Belfast International Airport in my constituency, this issue is of great importance to me as it not only affects South Antrim but all of Northern Ireland.

“It is critical that the UK Government strives to enhance and improve regional air connectivity in order to enact widespread economic benefits. Following the Chancellor’s recent Budget announcements, we must see each UK region get its fair share of the Air Route Development Fund. New routes are key to ensuring developed and emerging business markets are open to all UK regions.

“Airlines have reiterated time and time again that the nature of commercial air travel is changing. There continues to be a major shift towards smaller airliners operating from smaller airports. The UK must seize upon this trend and create a fully developed and integrated system of connected regions from Belfast to Bristol and Cardiff to Dundee. This is especially important for Northern Ireland as we are separated by the Irish Sea from the rest of the UK.

“Whether the UK Government decides upon Gatwick or Heathrow expansion - or in my view both - we need that decision as soon as possible so we can bring our infrastructure up to speed. If the move by Heathrow to ban night flights, end intentions for a fourth runway and meet its air quality targets brings the Government’s dithering to a conclusion, then it is my great hope that a decision can be reached before the Summer Recess of Parliament.”