LISTEN: Aldergrove chief welcomes cash boost ‘lifeline’

By Michael McHugh, PA

Emergency financial support for airports is a much-needed “lifeline”, Belfast International has said.

Up to £7.8 million in Stormont funding is being made available for Belfast International and Belfast City airports.

This was in addition to the 12-month rates holiday already provided, finance minister Conor Murphy said.

Official measures forcing holidaymakers to quarantine to hamper spread of the virus from overseas, as well as repeated lockdowns across the UK, have crippled aviation.

Belfast International managing director Graham Keddie said: “The Executive’s financial support package is a much-needed lifeline that will help ensure we remain open 24/7 and can continue to keep Northern Ireland connected.

“Covid has had a devastating impact on our sector and this announcement will help secure jobs across our site.”

In May, Aldergrove announced it will lay off up to 45 staff due to fears the airline industry will not bounce back quickly from the pandemic.

Its managing director paid tribute to the “tireless” efforts of Mr Murphy and economy minister Diane Dodds in securing the official funding.

Mr Keddie said: “It will also enable us to continue to provide cover and support for all medical emergency flights, the Royal Mail, cargo operations for all online purchases as well as facilitating all PSNI and MoD flights.”

Mr Murphy said the aviation sector had been severely impacted by Covid-19.

“Our airports and airlines have seen an unprecedented drop in demand with passenger numbers not expected to return to pre-Covid levels in the short term.”

He said the pandemic has led to dramatically scaled-back operations, reduced operating hours and significant financial losses.

“Airports and airlines are a critical part of our economic structure and it is vital they are supported to ensure connectivity for citizens and freight is maintained,” he added