Flybmi Collapse: Sinn Fein Say L'Derry Flights Must Be Saved

A Sinn Fein Councillor has expressed concern at the loss of the L'Derry to Stanstead flight at the City of Derry airport due to the collapse of UK airline Flybmi.

The company announced its plans to formally enter administration today, Monday 18 February, with all flights cancelled immediately.

The demise is the latest blow to Northern Ireland's third airport, which revealed it would struggle to run without the popular Stansted flight.

Despite this, a number of airlines have expressed interest at taking over the route and discussions with the Department for Transport are ongoing.

Commenting on the news, Sinn Fein representative Sandra Duffy said the company's crisis is a "huge concern", especially for the economy in the north west.

She continued: "One of the reasons cited by the airline is the uncertainty caused by Brexit- yet more evidence of the destruction and disruption that the DUP and the British government are prepared to cause to our economy with their reckless Brexit agenda. 

"This will obviously have implications for the new public service obligation (PSO) flight between Derry and London as well as the new route to Manchester, all of which flybmi was due to operate. 

"Of course, the loss of the airline does not mean the loss of the service and I have contacted the Chief Executive of Derry City & Strabane District Council to ensure every effort is made to find an alternative carrier as soon as possible so there is minimal disruption to this service."



(JG/CM)