RYANAIR IS to pull out of George Best Belfast City Airport next month, claiming it cannot wait for a proposed runway extension to be built. However, chief executive Michael O’Leary has refused to rule out a return if the airport succeeds with plans to extend the runway by 200m.
The airline, which has operated at the airport since 2007, is keen to extend its services to continental Europe in addition to its five destinations in Scotland and England. It says it cannot do this unless the runway is lengthened, a move resisted by homeowners in nearby residential areas.
Mr O’Leary made the unexpected announcement in Belfast yesterday.
“It is very disappointing that the promised runway extension at Belfast City Airport has still not materialised more than three years after we opened the base,” he said. “In these circumstances, sadly, we have better alternative airports elsewhere in the UK and Europe, all of whom are willing and able to provide us with the runway infrastructure and low-cost facilities we need.”
The airline carries around 800,000 passengers annually from the airport. Some 50 Ryanair jobs will go when services stop on October 31st, although alternative posts will be offered at other Ryanair bases. Up to 1,000 other jobs could be affected, Ryanair said.
The airline’s services from Derry City airport are unaffected.
A public inquiry is pending following vociferous opposition from residents in east Belfast to the proposed runway extension. Rival airline easyJet questioned Ryanair’s complaints about the runway.
EasyJet’s commercial manager for Northern Ireland, Ali Gayward, said: “We believe that there is sufficient airport capacity in Belfast today. There must be a proper public inquiry before any decision over airport expansion is taken.
“Once again, Ryanair wants the red carpet rolled out for them, while EasyJet and many other airlines are happy to fly from City Airport as it is today.”
Liz Fawcett, spokeswoman for Belfast City Airport Watch, which opposes the runway extension, said: “Residents are very pleased. [Ryanair] had a particularly unpopular 6.30am flight and certainly this will give some respite.”
Independent Assembly member for east Belfast Dawn Purvis said Ryanair had thrown a “hissy fit” over the runway issue. Other political and commercial commentators regretted the decision.
Katy Best, business development director at the airport, said: “We are obviously disappointed at Ryanair’s decision. The airline had provided five successful routes from Belfast City Airport.” She said Ryanair’s passenger levels showed there was local demand for the routes served.
“I am confident that we can attract other airlines to fill the void,” she added. “Our goal still remains to attract new airlines and new destinations to and from Belfast City Airport.”
Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots, who ordered the planning inquiry, regretted the decision.