05/03/2020
Belfast Flights Cancelled As Flybe Collapses
Operations at Belfast City Airport are almost at a halt this morning after Flybe collapsed into administration.
The firm announced earlier today that it had ceased trading with immediate affect. A team of administrators have been appointed.
The airline's demise has sparked fears for local jobs and air connectivity as George Best Belfast City Airport is left without its main operator.
Flybe ran fourteen routes from Belfast City amounting to 80% of the airport's operations, with only four destinations now remaining.
Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport Brian Ambrose said he is "extremely disappointed" by the news.
He said negotiations to find a new carrier are underway.
"We are extremely disappointed at this news," Mr Ambrose said.
"Our first thoughts go to the Flybe employees and passengers affected.
"From Belfast City Airport, Flybe had operated a strong and profitable base of 14 routes to key regional destinations across the UK, including international hubs such as Birmingham and Manchester.
"The airline was a significant economic driver for the region, carrying 1.6 million passengers to and from Belfast in 2019."
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and consult the Civil Aviation Authority for information.
"I am confident that these well-established routes, coupled with our city centre location and recent £15m investment in terminal facilities, will prove an attractive option to airlines," Mr Ambrose added.
"Negotiations with a number of carriers are already underway."
(JG/CM)
The firm announced earlier today that it had ceased trading with immediate affect. A team of administrators have been appointed.
The airline's demise has sparked fears for local jobs and air connectivity as George Best Belfast City Airport is left without its main operator.
Flybe ran fourteen routes from Belfast City amounting to 80% of the airport's operations, with only four destinations now remaining.
Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport Brian Ambrose said he is "extremely disappointed" by the news.
He said negotiations to find a new carrier are underway.
"We are extremely disappointed at this news," Mr Ambrose said.
"Our first thoughts go to the Flybe employees and passengers affected.
"From Belfast City Airport, Flybe had operated a strong and profitable base of 14 routes to key regional destinations across the UK, including international hubs such as Birmingham and Manchester.
"The airline was a significant economic driver for the region, carrying 1.6 million passengers to and from Belfast in 2019."
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and consult the Civil Aviation Authority for information.
"I am confident that these well-established routes, coupled with our city centre location and recent £15m investment in terminal facilities, will prove an attractive option to airlines," Mr Ambrose added.
"Negotiations with a number of carriers are already underway."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2020
Loganair Takes Over Two Flybe Routes
Scottish airline Loganair is to take over two former Flybe routes from Belfast City Airport. The flights to Aberdeen and Inverness will commence later this month and run on a daily basis, the airport has announced. Flybe entered administration early this morning, 05 March, with all flights cancelled across the UK.
Loganair Takes Over Two Flybe Routes
Scottish airline Loganair is to take over two former Flybe routes from Belfast City Airport. The flights to Aberdeen and Inverness will commence later this month and run on a daily basis, the airport has announced. Flybe entered administration early this morning, 05 March, with all flights cancelled across the UK.
13 April 2011
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
05 October 2001
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
06 February 2003
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
09 March 2009
City Airport 'Breach' Of Seat Sale Rules Denied
A group representing residents opposed to the runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport have claimed 'broken promises' by the airport. A spokeswoman has said that the east Belfast facility sold 80,000 more seats than allowed under planning agreements last year.
City Airport 'Breach' Of Seat Sale Rules Denied
A group representing residents opposed to the runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport have claimed 'broken promises' by the airport. A spokeswoman has said that the east Belfast facility sold 80,000 more seats than allowed under planning agreements last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.