Derry Airport reopens after checks

The City of Derry Airport reopened to all flights from midnight last night after regulatory officials approved new passenger …

The City of Derry Airport reopened to all flights from midnight last night after regulatory officials approved new passenger safety measures.

An audit of safety standards at the Northern Ireland aerodrome has been completed and inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are satisfied with remedial work carried out.

The airport was closed last Thursday night after CAA officials found unsatisfactory repairs to a parking area for planes and no effective bird control plan.

A spokesman for the Derry City Council-owned airport, Councillor Joe Miller, said: "A team has worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure that optimum safety standards are met and agreed remedial actions along with a full audit of the aerodrome and a review of the safety management system are in place."

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Over the weekend contractors made improvements to the bird management system, such as covering culverts and ponds with nets, along with remedial repairs at the parking area for aircraft and minor drainage work adjacent to the runway.

A joint inspection by the CAA and the Airport Authority was completed yesterday. Both parties were satisfied that the airport could reopen.

British Airways and charter services resumed today. Ryanair's schedule will commence tomorrow.

The flaws first emerged after a public inquiry into plans to extend the airport. Steps agreed included the full safety inspection, a review of the safety management system and remedies to the shortcomings already identified.

SDLP leader who is an MP for Derry called for greater clarity amid concerns the matter was harming business and tourism in the area.

"It is hugely disruptive and damaging to passengers who are travelling and they don't know where they stand," he said.

Businessman Brendan Duddy has criticised the council and management of the airport for their handling of the situation.

Derry is an important regional connection with the North West of Ireland, serving passengers in Co Derry and also Co Donegal across the border.

Among the routes also served are flights to Bristol, Liverpool, East Midlands and a number of package holiday resorts.

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn pledged to have the matter thoroughly investigated.