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:
“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”