Jobs at the loss-making City of Derry Airport are under threat, it was revealed today.
Airport managers have to save a proposed £600,000 amid increased financial pressure facing local authorities in Northern Ireland. Uncertainty over the funding available to councils contributed to the problem.
Ryanair has announced plans to scale back its services from the regional airport, with its Stansted route affected.
Airport managers today began discussions with employees and union representatives.
Chief executive of Derry City Council Valerie Watts said: "Derry City Council must act now to consolidate services at City of Derry Airport to safeguard future growth and the employment the airport supports.
"This will be achieved through a savings in operational costs along with a business plan that delivers commercial and passenger growth," she added.
Although a spokeswoman for the airport confirmed that jobs were "under threat", Cllr Joe Miller who sits on the airport committee said there had been no suggestion of redundancies.
"They are looking at rationalisation of the airport, they are looking at relocating if there is to be any movement there will be a relocation of people.
"I don't think the word redundancy has been mentioned, this is a very positive move for the airport." Over the past years the airport has experienced exceptional growth in passengers but its operating deficit has risen from £1.7 million to over £4 million.
It is estimated the airport generates approximately #40 million for the local economy.
Members of the council have already asked Finance Minister Nigel Dodds for money to ease the financial pressure.
Proposals for increased commercial activity and improved income include the appointment of Albert Harrison OBE as airport manager for a six-month period to support management in achieving targets within the business plan. He takes up his post in the middle of this month.
Mr Harrison has extensive aviation and commercial experience from Cardiff and Belfast airports.
Prior to this appointment he was airport director at Belfast City Airport. He also worked at Cathay Pacific Airways.
Ms Watts added: "We need to ensure City of Derry Airport remains an affordable and successful regional facility. This is a challenging period for all commercial enterprises and the council has acted to safeguard the long-term future of City of Derry Airport and the employment it supports through initiating robust targets for growth and cost reductions.
"We will continue to work with the unions to ensure this period of change can be managed with the necessary support for all employees."
PA