Airport bosses push for 'moderate' evening flight increases

Management at Belfast City Airport look set to push for extra evening flights despite local protest, it was revealed today.

Under the current review of the airport's planning restrictions, the Airports bosses said it would only be looking for "moderate" increases in late night flights.

They claim that there is demand for up to four services after the current 9.30pm cut-off time.

However, UUP MLA for east Belfast, Sir Reg Empey hit out at the plans.

"Following a public inquiry in 1996, conditions were imposed on the airport indicating a 6.30am to 9.30pm limit on operating hours," the former Minister for Enterprise said.

"Despite numerous and continuing complaints about noise, pollution and traffic, I believe that a balance between the needs of the travelling public and local residents was struck. The airport has been a valuable employer in the area ever since.

"However, even the existing restrictions have been breached with over 500 flights per year failing to meet the existing operating restrictions.

"The current owners Ferovial, a Spanish construction company, clearly knew the operating hours when they purchased the airport some months ago.

"I do not believe that the welfare and rights of local residents, including their quality of life, should be sacrificed to add to the profits of a Spanish construction company," he concluded.

Airport management said it believed its demands were reasonable and that it was disappointed with the obvious opposition from some quarters.

(MB)